Lot 24, Auction 4/20/2026: Mississippian Caddo Bailey Engraved Bottle – Trailed

$715.00

In stock

Native American, Mississippian, Caddo culture, ca. 1200 to 1500 CE. A refined and quietly elegant example of Caddo ceramic artistry within the Mississippian world, this Bailey Engraved trailed water bottle pairs a graceful silhouette with disciplined, flowing line work. Hand-built in fine earthenware, the vessel presents a rounded, globular body that narrows into a tall, cylindrical neck with a small, slightly flared mouth. The smooth lower body transitions into an upper field of carefully executed trailed and engraved decoration. Arcing lines sweep across the shoulder in rhythmic, nested curves, intersecting at sharp angles to create a repeating V-shaped pattern that encircles the form. The design is both geometric and fluid, suggesting movement while remaining firmly structured. Size: 7.3″ Diameter x 9.2″ H (18.5 cm x 23.4 cm)

The engraved and trailed lines are cut with confidence and consistency, characteristic of Bailey Engraved ceramics associated with Caddo traditions of the Late Mississippian period. Bottles of this type were likely used for serving or storing liquids, including water or ceremonial beverages, and their elegant proportions made them suitable for both domestic and ritual settings. The tall neck allowed for controlled pouring, while the rounded body provided balance and visual harmony.

The surface displays a soft gray-brown tone with subtle firing variation, enhancing the contrast between the smooth lower half and the engraved shoulder. A fine example of the Caddo bottle form, this piece demonstrates the cultural emphasis on symmetry, repetition, and refined surface treatment within the broader ceramic traditions of the Mississippi River Valley.

Condition: Repaired with break line and adhesive visible, as well as some stable hairline fissures to body. Nicks and abrasions to surface commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice presentation with good remaining detail.

Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private New York, USA collection, acquired December 18, 2012; ex-Tony Putty Artifacts, Shelbyville, Indiana, USA

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