Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. This is a fine stirrup portrait vessel showing a man with an older, gaunt face and a serious expression; he is seated with his legs crossed underneath his skirt and has his finely detailed hands - complete with painted fingernails - clasped in front of him. He has relatively little personal ornament; just a long tassel worn around his neck that hangs down his back. He is overall painted red with cream details on the tassel, clothing, eyes, and fingernails. This would have been a portrait of an important member of Moche society; it is possible - even probable - that there are portraits of him as a young man found in other vessels, as we know of several examples of Moche portrait vessels portraying the same individual at different stages of life! Moche Size: 4.25" W x 8.25" H (10.8 cm x 21 cm)

Provenance: Ex-California Museum of Ancient Art

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#115250

Intact aside from very minor chip to spout. Painted details are still clear.