Lot 122, Auction 4/12/2026: 19th C. Andean Silver-plated Coquera w/ Serpents

$3,250.00

In stock

South America, Andean (Bolivia or Peru), ca. 1800 to 1900 CE. A sumptuous lidded coquera in silver-plated nickel brass, its generously lobed, gourd-like body raised on three globular feet and crowned by a sculptural fruit finial with leaves and blossoms; the opposing side handles transform into paired snakes that meet at the mouth to seize a fruit, a potent Andean motif associated with the protective amaru and ideas of fertility and abundance. Hammered and repousse work define the swelling contours, while cast and applied elements articulate the finial and zoomorphic grips, and a scalloped rim delineates lid from bowl. Such vessels traditionally housed coca leaves – chewed in the Andes long before the arrival of the Spaniards and still consumed through colonial and republican eras – and were also used for yerba mate infusions, preserves, and sweets. Size: 11.7″ L x 9.5″ W x 9.3″ H (29.7 cm x 24.1 cm x 23.6 cm)

The bright, durable surface reflects 19th-century workshop practice across the highlands, where nickel brass (alpaca or niquel plata) was often silver-plated to emulate costly sterling; the tripod stance and lush vegetal ornament echo European Rococo and Neoclasico tastes adapted by local maestros plateros. Comparable Andean coqueras are preserved in Peruvian and Bolivian collections, including the Museo Pedro de Osma, underscoring the hybrid elegance of viceregal and post-independence decorative arts.

Condition: Some minor surface wear with small nicks and indentations in areas. Otherwise, intact and very nice with scattered patina to lustrous surface.

Provenance: private collection of S. Saunders, Nogales Arizona, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.