Moche III Vessel of a Seated Dignitary, ca. A.D. 200-450

the warrior king attentively leaning forward, the forceful expression with large oval eyes and prominent nose pierced at the septum, adorned with elaborate ceremonial clothing with numerous areas for inlay of precious stone or shell including the narrow belt, a broad collar of step design, and the wrist bands, the ear ornaments inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and the growling feline headdress with legs at the side, large 7-pointed disks at each corner, a domed floral headdress ornament at the back with small recesses for inlay, and wearing a belt clapper at the back of the waist , the bare feet shown on the bottom; in creamy slip with recessed areas in red. 

Christoph Bernoulli,  acquired by 1949

Acquired from the above by 1960

Ferdinand Anton, Alt-Peru und Seine Kunst, E.A. Seemann, Leipzig, 1962, pl. 39
Ferdinand Anton, The Art of Ancient Peru, Thames and Hudson, New York, 1972, (originally published as Alt-Peru und Seine Kunst, E. A. Seemann, Leipzig, 1962 and 1972), colorplate 162
Istuan Racz, Perun Taide, Helsinki, Kustannusosakeyhtio Otava, 1975, pl. 34.

 

Excellent, very minor areas of repair, and overall wonderful modeling and detail. Has been repaird with reglueing of the left ear ornment, the left leg of feline in headdress is reglued on, the mushroom cap has some repair on the top.
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.

This noble figure is an eloquent example of the full figure vessels which emphasize the clothing and regalia of status over portraiture. The stern idealized features are secondary to the clothing and posture typical of the warrior-kings; the figure was once embellished with inlay of gold, stone or shell, and prominently displays the protective and powerful feline as his companion spirit. See Berrin (1997: cat. no. 71).