Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Guanajuato Valley, Chupicuaro, ca. 500 BCE to 300 CE. A polychrome dog effigy dish, the canine vessel standing upon three conical legs, with a broad rectangular dish as the body, its head at the front end and its tail protruding from the opposite side. The exterior walls of the vessel are decorated with bands of zigzags and other stylized geometric motifs in a red, cream, and black color palette. The interior of the vessel body is red, and the head, tail, and legs are creamy beige. A lovely example, perfect for any dog lover! Size: 10.4" L x 6.625" W x 3.4" H (26.4 cm x 16.8 cm x 8.6 cm)
Chupicuaro society is well known for its sophisticated ceramic tradition featuring human effigies and food-service vessels of stunning aesthetic appeal such as this example. The feast was of utmost importance to supply food for the living as an integral part of social politics and also to provide sustenance for the soul's journey to the underworld. Beyond being objects for daily use, Chupicuaro ceramics were artistic achievements in their own right - elegant forms with boldly painted decoration typically in their signature deep red. The wide variety of vessel forms created by the Chupicuaro artisans points to the significance of the feast.
Provenance: private Colgate, Wisconsin, USA collection acquired 1970s to 1990s; ex David Kilander collection; ex Roger Peterson collection
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#156776
Condition
Restoration to tail, with nearly invisible resurfacing and overpainting along break lines. Minor nicks, pitting, and abrasions to legs, body, and head, with light fading to original pigment, and light encrustations. Nice remains of original pigment and craquelure across vessel.