Cup with Stepped-Fret Motif c. 180 - 500

This ceramic cup with stepped-fret motif was crafted by the Nazca people. The cup’s surface is predominantly a deep red-brown, contrasted by geometric designs in dark browns outlined in white. These designs create a visual rhythm that encircles the cup. The stepped-fret pattern, a motif common in many ancient cultures, appears here as both a linear progression and a spiraling form, a play on spatial dynamics. The lines are not perfectly straight; a slight wobble introduces an element of the hand-made, disrupting any sense of mechanical precision. This variance infuses the piece with a sense of vitality. Look closely at how the lines define the geometric shapes. The interplay between figure and ground creates a visual tension. Does the design suggest a deeper symbolic meaning, or is it a study in form? Ultimately, the cup invites us to consider the relationship between aesthetics, function, and cultural expression. The cup remains a compelling object of contemplation.