A Panamanian Cocle Polychrome Ceramic Fruitera, ca. 900 - 1100 CE

The Gran Coclé culture, which existed in Panama from approximately 200 BCE to 1550 CE, encompassed several identifiable indigenous cultures, and is demarcated by a distinct artistic style. Vessels with bold colors, strong structural design, and distinct artistic motifs are a hallmark of this cultural style. Coclé motifs often include fantastic beasts, amalgams of different animals.

This pottery deep dish plate, on a circular stemmed foot, features a striking interior design. It showcases a large mythological creature, resembling either a bird or a reptile. This creature has an open, toothy mouth, a concentric eye, and a spiked crest on its head. Its back is decorated with either feathers or scales, and it has large claw hands and feet. 

Medium: Teracotta

Dimensions: Height: 2 3/4 inches (7 cm), Diameter: 8 1/4 inches (21 cm)

Condition: Some minor touchup to the decoration and a very minor rim flake, otherwise intact and in very good condition overall.

Provenance:   Estate of Peter H. Tillou (1935 - 2021), CT., acquired 1990’s, then to family by descent. Appraised by Marianne Huber, (art appraiser/consultant, formerly of Huber Primitive Art and later of New World Art Services) in 2014, collection # 300.

Peter was a renowned international arts and antiques dealer with galleries in Buffalo, New York, Litchfield, Connecticut, Sun Valley, Idaho, London, England and New York City during his career, spanning over 65 years.