Double Vessel with a Seated Figure Possibly 1200 - 1450

This double vessel, crafted by the Chimú people of ancient Peru, is a striking example of pre-Columbian ceramic art. The vessel, dating back to possibly 1200-1450, features two round bodies connected by a bridge, each with a spout. A seated figure, possibly a deity or an important figure, sits atop the bridge, serving as a lid for one of the vessels. The vessel is made of blackware pottery, a distinctive characteristic of Chimú art, and its sleek, minimalist form showcases the skill of the artist in capturing the essence of both functionality and artistic beauty. This piece, currently in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to the enduring artistic legacy of the Chimú civilization.