Chimu Silver Beaker, ca. A.D. 1100-1450

composed in three  sections carefully joined, the rounded bowl at top repoussé with a scrolling band of birds, the tapering squared shaft decorated with panels enclosing a step motif with birds within, and attached to a pedestal foot by triangular sheets each decorated with a waterbird.  

Lawrence Witten II Collection, acquired in 1970

overall very good, lovely repousse, has a restoration of a very small knick at base of foot missing, and one flap of the triangular joins to the shaft missing.
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.

Silver metallurgy comes to florescence in the Middle Horizon and Late Intermediate period ( A.D. 600-1400) on the North Coast. The Chimu were the most skillful metallurgists, to the extent that they were taken to Cuzco to teach Inca craftsmen (Carcedo 1997:103).  Silver and gold were prized for the varying colors created by the sophisticated combination of alloys. Elite members of society believed accumulating metal objects would give them access to the symbolic secrets of the metal itself (ibid:20).

This finely made beaker with seabird and avian imagery is one of the few remaining composite style vessels, created with individual pieces joined together. For tall rattle beakers similarly composed, see Carcedo (1997:111, fig. I-99).