Incised Painted Bowl
Unknown Artist
5th–2nd century BCE
Medium
Ceramic, pigment
Dimensions
H. 3 1/16 × Diam. 7 3/4 in. (7.8 × 19.7 cm)
Classification
Ceramics-Containers
Culture
Paracas
Department
Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Cummings, 1964
Accession Number
64.228.163
Art Historical Context
This delicate **Incised Painted Bowl** the Paracas culture (5th–2nd century BCE) offers a glimpse into ancient Peru's south coast, where skilled artisans crafted everyday vessels with striking artistry. Standing just 3 1/16 inches tall 7 3/4 inches in diameter, this ceramic container was formed from clay, incised with fine lines to create intricate patterns, and then adorned with pigments applied after firing—a technique that ensured vibrant, enduring colors resistant to wear. The Paracas people, flourishing before the Inca, were master ceramicists known for their bold motifs inspired by natu...