An Exhibited Moche Vessel of a Muscovy Duck, Early Intermediate Period - Middle Horizon, ca. 200 - 900 CE

This fine, blackware pottery duck effigy vessel depicts a robust and footed, billed fowl figure with a crested head. The species is almost certainly the Muscovy duck with its characteristic oblong, blunt beak, squared tail which they used as brakes for landing in trees and sharp claws that enable them to roost and nest in hollows from 3 to 20 ft above ground.

The Muscovy was native to the north coast of Peru and is often shown on Moche vessels.

Exhibited: Ancient Forms For The Modern Eye, Colnaghi Gallery, NYC, April 17th - July 20, 2018. #III 

Medium: Blackware ceramic

Dimensions: 7 x 5 1/4 x 3 1/2 inches (17.78 x 13.3 x 8.89 cm)

Condition:  Minor professional restoration to his bill, headcrest, and top portion of the chimney spout, as well as a tiny chip to the rim spout.  Otherwise, intact and in very good condition overall.  Presents beautifully.

Provenance: Private East coast collection, acquired by the current collection 10/5/88. Previously Economos Works of Art, Santa Fe, NM., from Paul Shepard, Tucson, AZ private collection.