A Nayarit Seated Female San Pedro Lagunillas, West Mexico, c. 250 BC-250 AD In the so-called Chinesco style, defined by fluid curves, plastic forms, minimum decoration, disproportionately large heads and facial features with a quasi-Asian appearance. Burnished cream-colored earthenware, with details painted in red, the traditional Lagunillas type handprints twice on the back, on proper right shoulder and left cheek. The finely striated hair has a reddish color and red paint was applied to mark the armbands and the garment around the waist. The necklace is indicated with by-hand modeled rings around the neck. Diminutive arms are softly folded over the torso on top of fluid curving thighs. As with most Chinescos, the facial expression is serene and remote. In very good condition, the head has been reattached to the neck with minimal restoration. Chinesco figures are divided into four sub-styles. Figures such as this one with rounded triangular heads and painted details belong to Type C found in the vicinity of San Pedro Lagunillas in southwestern Nayarit. The red hand motifs on the face, shoulders and back occur on other Lagunillas Chinescos, suggesting they were all made in the same workshop or by the same potter. Provenance: A Private Collection, New York, acquired in 1995 Merrin Gallery, New York Jean-Louis Sonnery, Paris (active from 1964 to 1972) Height: 8 ½ inches HID03101062020 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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