Moche stirrup-spout figural bottle depicting a woman, ca. 300 - 500 CE

A finely modeled terracotta stirrup-spout bottle in the form of a seated woman, her arms clasped around a bent knee and her gaze directed downward in quiet introspection. The rounded forms of the body are rendered with characteristic Moche naturalism, and the facial features, prominent cheekbones, deep-set eyes, and pursed lips, convey a striking sense of individuality. Painted white circular elements adorn her garment, suggesting a patterned textile or ceremonial attire. The stirrup handle rises smoothly from the back to a tall cylindrical spout, its elegant curvature exemplifying the technical precision of Moche ceramic workshops. The surface retains a soft polish with scattered mineral accretions and areas of lighter encrustation, lending the piece a rich, ancient patina.

Moche ceramics typically combine mold-made elements with hand modeling, followed by slipping, burnishing, and painting in iron- and kaolin-rich pigments that fire to warm reds, creams, and whites. The present vessel’s balanced proportions reflect the Moche’s sophisticated portrait tradition, in which individuals, often elites or ceremonial figures, were immortalized in clay. Female representations, though less common, reveal the important social and ritual roles women held in Moche culture. The present example’s serene poise and refined modeling suggest a commemorative or ritual purpose, perhaps serving as a vessel for offerings in a funerary or temple context.   

Medium: Terracotta with polychrome pigment

Dimensions: Height: 7 1/4 inches (18.4 cm), Width: 4 3/4 inches (12 cm)

Condition: Intact. Overall surface shows strong, scattered mineral deposits consistent with prolonged burial or interment. Minor surface loss beneath the spout and slight abrasion/wear to painted areas. A lovely example. 

Provenance: Jack Bregman private collection, New York City, acquired in the 1960s while serving in the Peace Corps. By descent to the current owner. Collection # 187.

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