This striking pair of hand-coiled ceramic art vases represents the rich heritage and exceptional artistry of Chulucanas pottery from the Piura region of Peru. Hand-crafted in 2004 by the master artisan Marcelo Prado, these vessels showcase the traditional positive-negative slip-resist and smoking techniques inherited from the ancient Vicús and Tallán cultures. The distinct finish of each piece is achieved through a meticulous multi-step process: the clay is hand-burnished using semi-precious river stones to achieve a naturally smooth, satin sheen, painted with a liquid clay resist, and then reduction-fired using dry mango leaves. The smoke from the burning mango leaves penetrates the unprotected clay to create deep, carbon-saturated black and chocolate tones, while the covered areas resist the smoke, preserving the warm cream slip underneath.
The set beautifully contrasts two signature aesthetics of Prado's acclaimed portfolio. One vessel is rendered in a minimalist, satin-burnished blackware that emphasizes its elegant, bulbous form and clean rim, catching light along its hand-polished contours. The second vase features a bold, graphic composition of geometric cream-colored abstract shapes set against a dark smoked background, exemplifying the modernist appeal that makes Chulucanas ceramics highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Each vase features the incised signature of Marcelo Prado on its unglazed underside, with one retaining its original foil label, validating their authentic origin and craftsmanship. These pieces serve as compelling decorative accents, blending pre-Columbian hand-crafting methods with a mid-century modernist graphic sensibility.
This pair of handmade vessels is in excellent vintage condition with no chips or cracks, displaying only the organic variations and minor glaze imperfections characteristic of the outdoor firing process. The larger of the two vases measures approximately 8 inches in height and 6 inches in diameter, while the set has a combined physical weight of 4.0 pounds.
