Cupisnique Stirup vessel - 27 cm
03
days
17
hours
55
minutes
09
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 700 - € 850
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Description from the seller
B.C. – Engraved Blackware Ceramic
A striking Pre-Columbian stirrup-spout vessel from the Late Chavín / Cupisnique tradition, dating to approximately 500–300 B.C. This piece exemplifies the sophisticated ceramic artistry of ancient Peru, with its distinctive form and symbolic surface decoration.
Culture: Late Chavín / Cupisnique
Region: Northern Highlands and North Coast, Peru
Period: circa 500–300 B.C.
Material: Fired clay (ceramic), blackened through oxygen-reduction firing
Dimensions: [Insert if known]
Condition: Intact with surface wear consistent with age; mounted for display
Features:
Dual-channeled neck converging at a single stirrup spout
Everted rim
Engraved mythological motifs and textured accents
This vessel’s dark, polished surface and incised geometric detailing reflect the ceremonial and symbolic importance of stirrup-spout forms in early Andean cultures. The stirrup shape—both functional and iconic—was used to control liquid flow and may have held ritual significance. The engraved designs likely reference mythological or cosmological themes central to Chavín belief systems.
Such vessels were often placed in tombs or ceremonial caches, serving as offerings or status markers. The black coloration is achieved through a controlled firing process that limits oxygen, a hallmark of Cupisnique and Chavín ceramic technology.
Europe only!!!
B.C. – Engraved Blackware Ceramic
A striking Pre-Columbian stirrup-spout vessel from the Late Chavín / Cupisnique tradition, dating to approximately 500–300 B.C. This piece exemplifies the sophisticated ceramic artistry of ancient Peru, with its distinctive form and symbolic surface decoration.
Culture: Late Chavín / Cupisnique
Region: Northern Highlands and North Coast, Peru
Period: circa 500–300 B.C.
Material: Fired clay (ceramic), blackened through oxygen-reduction firing
Dimensions: [Insert if known]
Condition: Intact with surface wear consistent with age; mounted for display
Features:
Dual-channeled neck converging at a single stirrup spout
Everted rim
Engraved mythological motifs and textured accents
This vessel’s dark, polished surface and incised geometric detailing reflect the ceremonial and symbolic importance of stirrup-spout forms in early Andean cultures. The stirrup shape—both functional and iconic—was used to control liquid flow and may have held ritual significance. The engraved designs likely reference mythological or cosmological themes central to Chavín belief systems.
Such vessels were often placed in tombs or ceremonial caches, serving as offerings or status markers. The black coloration is achieved through a controlled firing process that limits oxygen, a hallmark of Cupisnique and Chavín ceramic technology.
Europe only!!!
Details
Culture
Cupisnique
Century/ Timeframe
500-300BC
Name of object
Stirup vessel
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2017
Country acquired from
France
Condition
See pictures
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
27 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2000
Width
20 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
Depth
20 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
