Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, Phase IV, ca. 500 to 650 CE. A charming stirrup vessel, hand-built from pottery, in the form of a seated owl. Highly burnished and adorned with soft cream and coral hues, the stylized avian creature sits gently upon protruding feet and stabilizes its body with its tab-shaped tail protruding from the verso. Both striped wings are folded against the plump breast and create a broad heart along the back. The pensive visage exhibits ovoid eyes recessed within radiating orbitals, a petite aquiline beak, perky ears, and cream-hued spots like those surrounding the body. Above the head is a tubular spout, and from it arches a stirrup-shaped handle. Size: 4.4" W x 8.1" H (11.2 cm x 20.6 cm)
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: ex-Ashland University Museum, Ashland, Ohio, USA, donated to Ashland University between July 1994 to December 1998
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.
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we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#166348
Condition
Chips to top of spout as shown. Minor abrasions and fading to pigment, with very light encrustations, and a few petite spalls. Great preservation to pigment and avian form. TL drill holes beneath base and behind owl's head.