Jalisco Terracotta Vessel - PF.4603,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 5.25" (13.3cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. Through art it is possible to understand a great deal about a culture; not only details of their religion, politics and social behavior, but also aspects of their character. The Jalisco artists are famous for their delightful and whimsical ceramics. Both the artists and the people who bought their works shared a love of fanciful figures that are full of joy and gentle humor. The center piece of this drinking vessel is a wonderful face, created in such a way it resembles a wall relief. It sends an immediate message of good cheer and happiness, a soft warmth in its lively eyes and impish smile. The design surrounding the sides seems pertinent to the face, almost like hair flowing in the wind. This vessel may have been made for a particular purpose, and would serve admirably as a child's drinking cup. However, something this pleasing to the senses need not have a special reason for being made. It simply stands on its own as an object from the distant past that touches our heart.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico