2nd-5th century A.D. A ceramic stirrup bottle with cuboidal body featuring a figural scene composed of a man and woman reclined on a rectangular bed, engaged in coitus, the woman holding a swaddled infant close to her; stylised anatomical detailing to each figure. See Sotheby’s, Pre-Columbian Art, New York, May 1997, lot 209, for an almost identical example; Quilter, J., The Moche of Ancient Peru, Media and Messages, Peabody Museum Press, 2010, p.54, for a discussion of erotic Moche vessels. 651 grams, 21 cm wide (8 1/4 in.). Private U.K. family collection formed in the early 1970s. The property of Mr and Mrs P. R. of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. Subject of much conjecture, it has been suggested that Moche erotic vessels may have been produced as symbols of titillation or in some cases even humorous effect. Given the erotic vessel was a specific theme in the spectrum of Moche art, we can assume the importance of depicting sexual activity held a deeper meaning within the culture. It is notable that many vessels depict non-reproductive sex and may infer positions of power. [No Reserve] [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website.]