Nicoya Ceramic Vessel with feline head. German Export License - 28.5 cm
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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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Nicoya culture ceramic pedestal vessel with a feline head rattle, dating to AD 1000–1350, 28.5 cm high, acquired in 2026 from Germany with export license; authentic and in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Nicoya Polychrome Pedestal Vessel – ca. AD 1000–1350
An elegant polychrome pedestal vessel from the Nicoya culture of present-day Costa Rica, dating to Period VI (Middle Polychrome Period), approximately AD 1000–1350. The vessel features a tall, slightly globular body raised on a hollow pedestal, a characteristic form of the region's finest ceramic tradition.
The reddish clay body is decorated in a harmonious palette of cream, red, and black, reflecting the refined aesthetic of late Nicoya polychrome pottery. A finely modelled animal head, probably representing a feline, is applied to the shoulder of the vessel and functions as a rattle, combining sculptural artistry with ceremonial purpose.
Height: 28.5 cm.
Provenance: From the Franconian collection of P. S., assembled before 1985.
Attached export certificate from Germany.
The Supplier warrants that he obtained this lot legally. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Important: For destinations out of Spanish territory: all our objects will be shipped after obtaining CERTIFICATE OF EXPORTATION by Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks.
Nicoya Polychrome Pedestal Vessel – ca. AD 1000–1350
An elegant polychrome pedestal vessel from the Nicoya culture of present-day Costa Rica, dating to Period VI (Middle Polychrome Period), approximately AD 1000–1350. The vessel features a tall, slightly globular body raised on a hollow pedestal, a characteristic form of the region's finest ceramic tradition.
The reddish clay body is decorated in a harmonious palette of cream, red, and black, reflecting the refined aesthetic of late Nicoya polychrome pottery. A finely modelled animal head, probably representing a feline, is applied to the shoulder of the vessel and functions as a rattle, combining sculptural artistry with ceremonial purpose.
Height: 28.5 cm.
Provenance: From the Franconian collection of P. S., assembled before 1985.
Attached export certificate from Germany.
The Supplier warrants that he obtained this lot legally. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Important: For destinations out of Spanish territory: all our objects will be shipped after obtaining CERTIFICATE OF EXPORTATION by Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks.
Details
Culture
Nicoya
Century/timeframe
AD 1000–1350
Name of object
Vessel with feline head. German Export License
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Ceramic
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
28.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1985
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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.
