Pre-Columbian, Inca, Central Peru, ca. 1300-1500 CE. During the reign of the Incas, Peru had been the seat of outstanding pottery production for thousands of years. The Moche had developed the stirrup vessel to an artform full of expression and fascinating insight to the ancient Andean culture. The Inca followed in this tradition; however, in some instances they improved upon the artistry and technique. This vessel for instance manifests a very refined sense of proportion in that the relatively petite base supports such a large and majestic bird! The bird is more specifically a condor, who together with the puma and the snake represent the three levels of the ancient Inca world. According to ancient Inca mythology, the shaman would travel in a trancelike state to the Underworld and the higher levels of the world inhabited by superior deities to ask for solutions to the quandries of the earthly realm. Beyond this rich iconography, the vessel boasts expert painting technique and a sophisticated contrast between naturalistic and abstract expression. 9"H x 4-1/2"W

Provenance: Ex-New York Collection

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Tiny nick on rim of spout and a few nearly invisible scratches. Else intact and near choice.