Chancay Pottery Jar

Pre-Columbian era, Chancay culture, 1000-1470AD, Peru.

Magnificent unpolished and hand-modelled pottery vase of an ovoid shape with rounded base, a corseted neck, a flared spout, and two handles in beige terracotta, decorated with a geometrical design of parallel vertical stripes and pattern in dark brown color. The Chancay were a pre-Columbian archaeological civilization which developed between the valleys of Fortaleza, Pativilca, Supe, Huaura, Chancay, Chillón, Rimac and Lurin, on the central coast of Peru from c. 1000AD-1470AD. The Chancay culture is defined archaeologically by a distinctive and homogeneous ceramic style. These ceramics are known from extensive cemeteries in the Chancay region, where they were included in burials as grave goods. They are generally made of a peculiarly gritty clay that leaves an unpolished matte surface. Over this is painted a white slip, decorated with black or dark brown designs. 

Excellent condition. Minor chipping to rim. Fractures. Minimal nicks and pitting, all commensurate with age. Encrustation and dust. Size approx. 27,0cm x 16,5cm x 16,5cm. 

Provenance: private collection from Sweden.

For a similar examples see:

Small jars, loop handles at neck, ornamented, Harvard University, The Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, Accession Number: 75-20-30/8475 (http://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/259477)

Vase, The British Museum, Accession Number: Am1939,08.56 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Am1939-08-56)