Pre-Columbian, Peru, Paracas, ca. 400 to 100 BCE. A beautiful bird effigy ceramic bridge spout vessel displaying the quintessential stylings and technique of the early Paracas culture. The ceramic arts were a significant cultural contribution of the Paracas peoples. On the one hand, the undeniable influence of the Chavin culture remains; however, the polychrome finish and emphasis on an extensive iconographical program is unmistakably Paracas. Here, an elegant bird is the feature with its head at one end of the bridge handle, its feathered body continuing onto the surface of the vessel with legs and wings finely incised and painted. In addition, four flying birds were incised and painted in an abstract manner around the shoulder of the piece. Beneath this is a long panel of abstract geometric motifs likely inspired by textile designs. The ground is the traditional Paracas black, and only after baking was the vessel then decorated with resin-based hues of red, orange, and beige. A fabulous example! Size: 6.5" W x 5.5" H (16.5 cm x 14 cm)

Provenance: Ex- Private collection of Arnold F. Strauss, M.D., acquired before 1964.

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#112894

Repaired from about twenty pieces with little / no new clay or over-painting. Quite skillfully executed.