Tater Vera, Cusco: Monumental Glazed Ceramic...

Horse with Floral and Avian Decoration. Tater Vera, Cusco: Monumental Glazed Ceramic Horse with Floral and Avian Decoration

Tater Vera (Peruvian, Cusco)

Impressive handcrafted glazed ceramic sculpture in the form of a standing horse, richly decorated with an extraordinary all-over composition of flowers, birds, leaves, and ornamental details. The work combines the commanding silhouette of the horse with an exceptionally dense decorative surface, transforming the animal into a striking sculptural canvas.

The horse is modeled with an elongated body, powerful legs, raised neck, sharply pointed ears, pronounced muzzle, and stylized saddle elements. A deep black glaze defines the mane, tail, legs, bridle, and structural contours, creating a dramatic framework for the brilliant hand-painted decoration covering nearly the entire body.

Across the torso, neck, head, and legs, numerous stylized birds appear among a profusion of blossoms and foliage in warm orange, yellow, red, and olive-green tones. Large modeled leaves applied to the chest add sculptural relief, while rosette-like ornaments and the richly decorated saddle introduce further dimension and visual complexity. The glossy glazed surface intensifies the colors and gives the piece a luminous, jewel-like presence.

The composition reflects the exuberant decorative tradition associated with contemporary Cusco ceramics, where Andean imagery, flora, fauna, and ornamental pattern are brought together in highly elaborate handcrafted works. Horses have long held an important place in Peruvian visual culture, particularly in the Andean world following their introduction during the colonial period, eventually becoming powerful symbols of movement, prestige, celebration, and rural life.

What makes this example particularly remarkable is the extraordinary amount of hand-painted detail. From a distance, the strong equine silhouette immediately dominates the space; viewed closely, the surface reveals layer after layer of birds, flowers, foliage, ornamental borders, and sculpted accents. It is both a sculpture and an intricate decorative object, designed to command attention from every angle.

A highly decorative and visually spectacular example of contemporary Cusco ceramic craftsmanship, ideal as a statement centerpiece and particularly appealing to collectors of Peruvian folk art, Latin American ceramics, and distinctive equestrian sculpture.

DIMENSIONS
Height: 21 in.
Width: 20 1/2 in.

PROVENANCE
Private collection.