5th-7th century A.D. or earlier. A ceramic stirrup bottle with polychrome pigmentation, formed as a seated figure supporting a feline on his lap, likely a puma, the figure wearing a cloak decorated with a geometric pattern and wearing an ornamental collar, discoid earrings and a cap or headdress; spots and stripes to the animal's fur. See Quilter, J., The Moche of Ancient Peru, Media and Messages, Peabody Museum Press, 2010, pp.118-119, for a description of the symbolic importance of the feline in Moche imagery; cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession numbers 65.266.28, 1979.206.1113 and 64.228.41, for comparable examples dated 1st century B.C.-7th century A.D. 578 grams, 17.5 cm high (6 7/8 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. This highly symbolic image of a dignitary holding a feline reflects the importance placed in Moche culture on such animals who symbolised power and authority. The small size of the cat in comparison to the larger dignitary conveys the importance of the individual who holds and harnesses the power of the puma. [No Reserve] [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website.]