Nayarit Vessel in the Form of a Man in the Chinesco Style - PF.2783 Origin: Western Mexico Circa: 300
BC
to 300
AD Dimensions:4" (10.2cm) high x 4.25" (10.8cm) wide Collection: Pre-Columbian Style: Chinesco Medium: Terracotta
Who is this intriguing little masked figure? His
poignant face has been rendered in the
"Chinesco" style, so named because of the clear
Oriental touch. Yet it is the base of this piece
that is most unusual and rare. There is little
indication of a body other than the two tiny
pointed elbows at his side. Could this figure,
with its bloated stomach represent someone who
had ascites, or "abdominal dropsy?" How would
have Picasso interpreted the abstractness of this
tomb offering from centuries ago? The artist of
this unusual piece clearly took time to carefully
design and detail the base with geometric lines.
It is the sensitive rendering of this piece that
gives it such wonderful charm.
- (PF.2783)