A large Colima Fluted Parrot Vessel, Late Formative-Early Classic Period, ca. 250 BCE - 100 CE

This large and beautifully fluted vessel is made of highly polished red earthenware and was likely a grave offering placed in a tomb in West Mexico. Many such vessels were made, with fluted sides possibly representing calabash fruits seen in the Comala style from Colima.  More broadly, they represent the agricultural plenty that would have been needed for the underworld.  Here, parrots with wings folded tightly on their backs form tripod supports and eagerly nibble on the juicy fruit.

For a classic example, see Richard F. Townsend, ed., Ancient West Mexico: Art and Archaeology of the Unknown Past, Chicago, 1998, p. 213, fig. 21.

For a related example see:  Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, accession number: 2009.20.213 and Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number: 1979.206.350.

Medium: Clay

Dimensions: Height: 9 1/4 inches (23.5 cm), Width: 14 1/2 inches (36.8 cm)

Condition: Repaired breaks around rim and losses to two feet, otherwise complete and in very good condition overall.  A large and lovely example that presents beautifully.

Provenance: Sotheby's, London, Pre-Columbian, Oceanic, American Indian & African Art, 11 December 1978, Lot 90 | Collection of Dr. and Mrs. Albert and Carol Rosenthal, Estate of Carol Rosenthal (1942 – 2024.  With collection number: 6234 on the base.

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