Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche III-IV, ca. 500 CE. A fabulous frog effigy stirrup vessel of an endearingly expressive form with bulging eyes, slit mouth, and legs poised to leap. The surface is hand-painted in a stunning red and orange color scheme with polka dots adorning most of his skin and horizontal striations between the eyes and outlining the mouth. This general form appears often in Moche ceramics; however, the artist of this piece demonstrates superior command of technique and medium. In the Pre-Columbian world, the frog (rana) was associated with rain, the sustenance that it brings about, and fertility. This leads us to surmise that the polka dots adorning this froggie's skin may be a reference to raindrops or even eggs. Size: 7" L x 5.25" W x 8.25" H (17.8 cm x 13.3 cm x 21 cm)

Provenance: Ex-California Museum of Ancient Art

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#115260

Small chip to spout and very minor surface wear as shown. Otherwise intact and excellent.