A Rare Nazca Doughnut-Shaped Bridge Spout Vessel...

Description

A Rare Nazca Doughnut-Shaped Bridge Spout Vessel
Peru, circa 1-700 AD

This rare polychrome vessel has two animated figures known as the Affendaemon. They have sinuous bodies with plaited or braided back hair, and the limbs and curled tail of a monkey, surmounted by a head with large buck teeth. On the head is a hat or forehead ornament. Their front paws grasp proliferous staffs, which may represent plants or weapons. The doughnut-shaped vessel has a bridge handle with a whistling device at the broad end (when the liquid contents were poured out the escaping air would traverse this device and whistle), and a long tapering spout at the other. The uniqueness and rarity of this magnificently painted vessel cannot be overstated. In very good condition, possible one inch of inpainting to one side, underside eroded from exposure to the ground over centuries.

Provenance:
A Private Collection, New York, NY, acquired in 1993
Economos Works of Art, Santa Fe, NM

Height: 6 ½ inches

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