Pre-Columbian, Moche, Phase IV, North Coast Peru, ca. 400 CE to 600 CE. Manifesting expert technique and artistry characteristic of the Moche, a bichrome stirrup vessel decorated with a hand-painted depiction of a fierce Ai Apec who has transitioned to the form of a crustacean with shell, eight legs, human arms and head, and is poised to capture an enormous sea creature with his hook and line, all in red slip on a cream ground. Notice that his opposition is quite frightening with daunting spikes and fangs upon a huge body, and beyond this, holding a whip-like weapon and surrounded by his 'team' of sharks and other sea creatures. Interestingly, Ai Apec was a god of the underworld, infamous for taking on many identities as a result of his dramatic transformations. Here he has assumed the form of a sea monster himself, possessing both crustacean and human features - simultaneously depicted in an abstract yet representational manner. Remarkable artistry, rich iconography, impeccable technique! Size: 6.375" W x 11.875" H (16.2 cm x 30.2 cm)

For additional discussion of this iconography, see Christopher B. Donnan & Donna McClelland, "Moche Fineline Painting, Its Evolution and Its Artists" (1999)

Provenance: Ex-private collection of Professor Berndt Gerhardt; acquired at auction Ketterer 119, 1987.

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#118473

Small chips to rim. Minor surface wear with paint losses as shown.