{"product_id":"pre-columbian-olmec-las-bocas-one-eyed-figural-vessel","title":"Pre-Columbian Olmec Las Bocas One-Eyed Figural Vessel","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePre-Columbian Olmec Las Bocas One-Eyed Figural Vessel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreclassic Period, ca. \u003ca href=\"tel:1000-600\"\u003e1000–600\u003c\/a\u003e BC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMexico\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA rare and highly expressive \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOlmec Las Bocas pottery vessel depicting a one-eyed individual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, modeled with an extraordinary degree of character and individuality. The face displays pronounced asymmetry: one eye is heavily closed and prominently modeled beneath a deeply furrowed brow, while the opposite eye remains open. The asymmetric treatment appears deliberate and forms the defining feature of this unusual portrait.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEarlier auction documentation described the individual as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“stroke victim,”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e interpreting the facial asymmetry as the possible representation of paralysis. While the precise condition intended by the ancient artist cannot be established, the vessel provides a fascinating example of the Olmec interest in depicting distinctive human physiognomy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe face is finished in a cream-colored slip, contrasting dramatically with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003edeep red, densely textured coiffure or close-fitting head covering\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Broad lips, a substantial nose, carefully modeled ears, deeply articulated brow, and powerful facial contours give the individual an imposing and remarkably lifelike presence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe vessel’s \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecompact, rounded head-shaped form closely recalls the celebrated colossal Olmec heads\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Although vastly different in scale and medium, its massive cranial volume, broad facial proportions, forceful features, and close-fitting treatment of the upper head create a striking visual relationship with monumental Olmec portraiture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA rare and visually compelling example of early Mesoamerican ceramic art, distinguished by its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eunusual depiction of a one-eyed individual, preserved red and cream coloration, individualized physiognomy, and monumental sculptural character\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Samuel Dubiner Collection, Tel Aviv, Israel, acquired in the 1960s; Barry Kernerman, Toronto, Canada; Private Collection, Florida; Arte Primitivo, New York; M. Cichon, Ohio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Minerva Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54220243796265,"sku":null,"price":2000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/2762\/2185\/files\/C1F1EFFE-E16F-47AD-91C0-F18D118869C8.jpg?v=1790165764","url":"https:\/\/minerva-gallery.com\/products\/pre-columbian-olmec-las-bocas-one-eyed-figural-vessel","provider":"Minerva Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}