A Superb Paracas Dish with Two Felines Peru, c. 300-200 BC A rare intact dish, in original condition as found with patina intact. The thick resin pigments have been stabilized. Two standing or reclining felines painted in multi colors against a gold-yellow ground, each is holding a fruit or vegetable by a stem from their back paws. Their tails are flared at the tips. A band of loose twined strands around the rim. The exterior has a wide band of diamonds in alternating colors. Painted with natural earth pigments in thick resin, in shades of dark green, orange, red, gold, and grayish blue. Rare in this large size, with superb painting, and in this excellent condition. Note: similar cats are illustrated in The Paracas Pottery of Ica. A Study in Style and Time, by Dorothy Menzel, John H. Rowe, and Lawrence E. Dawson, Berkeley and Los Angeles, University of California Publications in American Archeology and Ethnology, volume 50, 1964, pages 359-360, figures 41b & 42b. Diameter: 6 ¼ inches HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved