Stirrup Spout Vessel with Fineline Enthroned Warrior Motif c. 100 - 500

This stirrup spout vessel, featuring a fineline enthroned warrior motif, was crafted by the Moche people, showcasing their remarkable ceramic artistry. The vessel's form speaks to skilled manipulation of clay. Coiling, pinching, and smoothing, result in a beautifully rounded body and the iconic stirrup-shaped spout. The surface is painted with a light slip, providing a canvas for the intricate depiction of the enthroned warrior. The fineline drawing, executed with remarkable precision using a fine brush or similar tool, reveals a mastery of detail. The warrior's regalia, facial features, and the symbols surrounding him, are all rendered with careful attention. This level of detail suggests the labor involved, as well as the cultural importance placed on depicting such figures. This Moche vessel blurs the lines between utilitarian object and high art, and prompts us to consider the social context that gives rise to such sophisticated craftsmanship.