Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Aztec, ca. 1400 to 1500 CE. A refined example of Aztec pottery, this redware pitcher presents an attractive form and is extensively decorated with fine-line curvilinear motifs and striations. Initially, Aztec pottery was somewhat crude; however, by the end of the 15th century, Aztec wares had evolved to become thinner, more elegant, and present enlightened designs as we see on this example. Size: 6.875" W from handle to opposite end x 8.875" H (17.5 cm x 22.5 cm)

Aztec pottery is some of the most difficult pottery to find, because the Spaniards destroyed so much of it during their conquest - and this example, with its sophisticated form and brilliant array of black-on-red design motifs, is one of the finest surviving examples we have ever seen. The Aztecs did not have the pottery wheel; hence, their vessels were created by hand. According to expert George C. Vaillant, they "built up their vessels with strips of clay, relying on their keen eye and sensitive fingers to achieve the desired shape." (The Aztecs of Mexico by George C. Vaillant, Pelican Books, 1950)

Provenance: ex-private Florida, USA collection

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#130903

Small chip on corner of spout. Normal surface wear with some slip loss as shown, though much remains.