Stirrup Vessel Incised with Textile-Like Pattern in Diagonal Painted Bands c. 100 - 500

This stirrup vessel, created by the Moche civilization of ancient Peru, is a fine example of their ceramic artistry. Dating back to between 100 and 500 CE, the vessel features a unique, stirrup-shaped handle and a round body decorated with diagonal bands of brown paint and incised textile-like patterns. The Moche, known for their intricate pottery depicting scenes of daily life and mythology, employed a variety of techniques to create these works, including slip painting and incision. This vessel, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the skilled craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of the Moche civilization.