Moche -With Spanish Export License- Ceramic Sculpture - 31 cm

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Ruth Garrido Vila
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 2,000 - € 2,500
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Rare very large anthropomorphic ceramic vessel from the Moche culture, depicting a seated dignitary with a jaguar-head crown, bichrome glaze, 31 cm high by 20 cm wide by 18 cm deep, dating to 500–700 AD, unsigned, acquired in 2024 from a gallery in Spain with EU export licence.

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Description from the seller

I acquired this superb ceramic piece from the Ars Historica Arqueologia gallery (Spain), which had itself purchased it at an auction of the David Sheridan estate, Branchburg, NJ, U.S.A. He had owned it since the 1950s through family descent.

This is a very beautiful and very large Pre-Columbian anthropomorphic vessel from the Moche culture (Peru).
It is bichrome and depicts a dignitary crowned with a headdress that features a jaguar head at its center. It has disk-shaped earrings and wears a necklace of cowries (precious shells in this culture). Like the Aztecs, the Incas, the Mayas, the Olmecs or the Toltecs, the Moche culture is one of the great Pre-Columbian civilizations.

A very rare object since the Spanish conquest led to the destruction of most pagan works.

Professionally restored on original fragments (see photos). Very good overall condition. Its quality and condition make it worthy of belonging to a museum collection!

Note:
- SALE EXCLUSIVELY WITHIN THE EUROPEAN SPACE.
Indeed, the piece will include a certificate of authenticity and an export license (passport) valid only for the European Union.

The object will be very carefully packaged and shipped promptly with tracking and insurance.

I acquired this superb ceramic piece from the Ars Historica Arqueologia gallery (Spain), which had itself purchased it at an auction of the David Sheridan estate, Branchburg, NJ, U.S.A. He had owned it since the 1950s through family descent.

This is a very beautiful and very large Pre-Columbian anthropomorphic vessel from the Moche culture (Peru).
It is bichrome and depicts a dignitary crowned with a headdress that features a jaguar head at its center. It has disk-shaped earrings and wears a necklace of cowries (precious shells in this culture). Like the Aztecs, the Incas, the Mayas, the Olmecs or the Toltecs, the Moche culture is one of the great Pre-Columbian civilizations.

A very rare object since the Spanish conquest led to the destruction of most pagan works.

Professionally restored on original fragments (see photos). Very good overall condition. Its quality and condition make it worthy of belonging to a museum collection!

Note:
- SALE EXCLUSIVELY WITHIN THE EUROPEAN SPACE.
Indeed, the piece will include a certificate of authenticity and an export license (passport) valid only for the European Union.

The object will be very carefully packaged and shipped promptly with tracking and insurance.

Details

Culture
Moche -With Spanish Export License-
Era
Before 1400
Century/timeframe
500-700 ap. J.-C.
Country of origin
Mexico
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Material
Ceramic
Year acquired
2024
Title of artwork
RARE : Très grand récipient représentant un Chef assis - Culture Moche
Country acquired from
Spain
Signature
Not signed
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Previous owner - country acquired from
United States
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Height
31 cm
Width
20 cm
Depth
18 cm
FranceVerified
137
Objects sold
100%
Private

Disclaimer

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.

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