- 38
Zapotec Figural Urn on a Platform, Monte Alban IIIB, Classic, ca. A.D. 450-650
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
- clay
- Height: 17 in (43.2 cm)
the finely modeled full standing figure in a ceremonial posture with hands raised, the sensitively sculpted face with full lips and deeply set eyes with drilled pupils, elaborately garbed in large bead necklace and surmounted by a massive plumed headdress centering the squatting figure of Cocijo with buccal mask and large merlon-shaped brows, and limbs outstretched to the sides, the back opening to an ovoid vessel.
Provenance
European Private Collection, acquired in 1997
Sotheby's, New York, May 17/18, 2000, lot 135
Exhibited
Baltimore, The Walters Art Museum, 2002-2010
Condition
Wonderful sculpture overall, base had been broken in repaired. Otherwise,excellent, appears mainly intact on figure and headdress.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The finely detailed figural urns are believed to be receptacles for the spirit or pèe of the venerated ancestors to return to. Some urns feature an expressive and unmasked face, such as this example, showing the accoutrements of prestige and deity symbols on the clothing. Cf. Boos (1966: fig. 354, and fig. 59), for the facial type and the Cocijo headdress ornament; see also Musée Rath, Mexique, Terre des Dieux (1998: cat. no. 154).