Jalisco Vessel in the Form of a Young Horned Toad - PF.4562,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.5" (16.5cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. The artists who created objects such as this one were some of the finest in the New World. And one of their favorite themes was animals; such as seen in this very charming turtle vessel. Where in the vast world of art, past and present, can we fmd an object that exudes such joy? Suspended on a thick base, the turtle is happily swimming along the bank of a river. With his smiling face he is the very picture of pleasure and fun. This effect is further heightened by the artist's obvious skill, cleverly giving the impression the turtle is actually swimming with its tiny flippers pauling vigorously. With its chimney spout and solid form, this vessel was probably used as a household item. It is one of the "miracles" of art that an object from the past, sprung from a vanished culture, can still make us smile.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico