A Moche Portrait Vessel

Peru, Circa 400-700 A.D.

Height 8 1/2 inches (21 cm).

Property from the Collection of JRM, Washington, D.C.

This lot is located in Chicago.

Provenance:

Private Collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Arte Primitivo, New York, Private Sale, May 2011.

Note:

The color of this rare black-ware portrait head is a result of smudge firing. A technique employed in the Middle Moche Period. For a close comparable, see R. Hoyle, Los Mochicas, Vol. 1, 2001, p. 112, fig. 136.

Intact with some restoration to the tip of spout with the break still evident; minor chip on tip. Overall smooth glazed surface with minor wear to glaze in some areas. Other minor chips and abrasions throughout. Old adhesive mark from a label or sticker on the underside of vessel. Very attractive and stable condition overall.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Jacob Coley

Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Antiquities and Ancient Art

[email protected]312 280 1212

Mr. Coley joined the Antiquities department in 2021 after working as Managing Director in the Ancient Art department at Colnaghi, the world’s oldest commercial art gallery, where he helped to establish the Ancient Art department and launched Colnaghi New York in 2017. Prior to Colnaghi, Mr. Coley was in the Greek and Roman Art department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mr. Coley holds a B.A. from the University of Miami and an M.A. in Art Market from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and he earned an art-appraisal certificate from New York University.

Antiquities & Ancient Art Online (Session II)

A Moche Portrait Vessel

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup