Pre-Columbian, South Coast of Peru, Paracas, ca. 400 to 100 BCE. A polychrome on black single-handled pottery vessel depicting an abstract avian form and displaying the quintessential stylings and technique of the early Paracas culture. Note how the artist carefully detailed the walls of the vessel with incised concentric circle motifs in red, green, and gold on black. The handle is also adorned with a red and green diamond pattern, and most cleverly, opposite the handle on the other side of the short neck and spout is a detail that represents a bird beak comprised of a protruding black knob featuring an incised cross-hatched design that is framed by a green rhombus on red triangle motif. This beak is set between two wide-open circular eyes. The ground is the traditional Paracas black, and only after baking was the vessel then decorated with the colorful resin-based hues. A strong example of Paracas artistry and taste for nature-inspired iconography and polychrome finishes. Size: 6.5" W from handle to opposite end x 4.5" H (16.5 cm x 11.4 cm)

Provenance: Ex-private Thousand Oaks, CA collection

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#118425

Spout restored/reattached, plus small chip.