Fine Moche Bichrome Ai Apec Vessel, TL Tested

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Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic

By Artemis Gallery

Feb 18, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-02-18 10:00:00 2021-02-18 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-6373
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• Lot Description
  Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 600 to 800 CE. A lovely mold-formed pottery vessel in the form of the Moche god Ai Apec, painted in hues of light orange, deep red, creamy yellow, and black. Displaying a cylindrical stirrup spout with a gently flared rim on his back, the zoomorphic deity sits with his knees drawn up to his body displaying his black-striped shins and paw-like feet. His spotted arms fall to the sides of his bulbous body with his clearly delineated fingers pointing downwards. Animalistic in both form and pose, the fierce god appears to growl at his viewers; his angry visage exhibiting a snarling mouth with lengthy fangs, a pointed nose, and huge, almond-shaped eyes with petite pupils under arched brows. He wears eccentric garb consisting of a broad collar necklace and a hooded cloak adorned with two snakes whose heads project forwards, as if hissing, at the top, while there serpentine bodies slither down his sides. A pair of rectangular ear adornments flank his face. Size: 7.625" W x 7.5" H (19.4 cm x 19 cm)
  
  Ai Apec was the creator god, the chief deity of the Moche (Mochica) culture. He provided water, food, and military triumphs to the Moche, but this powerful figure was also feared. Here, he bears the identifying marks associated with his iconography: feline fangs extending from his fierce mouth, spotted jaguar-inspired arms, and two serpents sprouting from his head. A vessel like this would most likely have been created for a member of the elite and placed in their tomb as a grave offering to demonstrate their wealth as they began their journey into the afterlife.
  
  This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and/or of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
  
  Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Ernest Roth collection, Houston, Texas, USA, , acquired before 1964
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #162150

  Condition

  Collection label on base, as well as previous collection number written in black ink. Two drill holes from TL testing on right side of back and one on base. Repair to spout with light restoration over break lines. A few expected nicks/chips and abraded areas commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with impressive remaining pigments.
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