Vessel in the Form of a Seated Ruler with a Pampas Cat Possibly 250 - 550

This ceramic vessel, crafted by the Moche people of ancient Peru between 250 and 550 CE, depicts a seated ruler adorned with a distinctive headdress and a pampas cat. The intricate details, including the ruler's attire and the cat's stripes, are rendered in a vibrant red pigment on a white background. This type of vessel, known as a stirrup spout bottle, is characteristic of Moche art and often served a ceremonial purpose. Its presence in the Art Institute of Chicago offers a glimpse into the rich artistic tradition of the Moche civilization.