Large Costa Rican Incised Redware Female effigy vessel, Period IV, Linear Decorated style, ca. A.D. 300-800

the pregnant woman squatting on firmly planted feet, her sensuous rounded body with hands to the belly, the navel protruding, her face with rounded eyes, puckered mouth and flared nostrils, covered over the body, limbs and face with delicate incised stepped motifs, the head forming a spout.  

Acquired over 40 years ago

Overall very good, hole at the very bottom of figure, restorations on the flat lip of the rim.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Cf. Jones, Kan and Snarskis (1981:cat. nos. 66, and pl. 12), for the type; also Stone (1977: figs. 52-54); also Katz (1985: cat. no. 13). This style, referred to as Guinea Engraved or Incised, and Orange-Brown and Red Ware, is known for the well burnished surfaces of dramatic effigy forms decorated with abundant incised decoration. It is an intermediate type between the bichrome ceramics of Rosales Zoned, and the stylized vessels of the Tola Trichrome type.