Cup with Raised Marine Scene c. 100 - 500

This ceramic cup, created by the Moche civilization of ancient Peru, features a raised, intricate scene of a marine creature, likely a sea turtle. Dating back to between 100 and 500 AD, the cup is a testament to the Moche's mastery of ceramics and their fascination with the natural world. The cup's design is characterized by its detailed, almost three-dimensional, rendering of the creature, suggesting the importance of marine life in Moche culture. The cup is currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.