Terracotta vessel purchased in Mexico more than thirty years ago.
31 December 2025
Description

Terracotta urn with a beautiful bluish red patina and carvings encircling 3/4 of the pot.

Dimensions

15.5” tall, 9.5” across the top, opening, 5” opening, 5.75” base

Acquired from
Garage / Yard Sale
For sale
Yes
Answered within 12 days
By David U.
Jan 12, 10:54 UTC
Fair Market Value
$200 - $300 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hello, this item is a hand-built terracotta vessel of Mexican origin, formed in a tall ovoid shape with a slightly flared neck and a narrow foot, decorated with incised geometric patterns encircling most of the body. The surface shows a matte, mineral-rich patina with bluish and reddish tonal variation that is consistent with natural firing effects and long-term handling rather than modern artificial aging. The carving technique, with repeated herringbone and linear motifs cut directly into the leather-hard clay, aligns with late 20th century Mexican folk pottery traditions rather than Pre-Columbian or archaeological material. The interior and base views indicate a hollow, wheel-assisted or coil-built construction, and the presence of a modern adhesive residue or label mark on the underside further supports a decorative or utilitarian object produced for the craft market, likely dating from the 1970s to 1990s.

In market terms, Mexican terracotta vessels of this size and visual strength are collected primarily as decorative folk art rather than as antiquities. Comparable examples sold through regional auctions, folk art dealers, and design-focused resale platforms typically range between $150 and $350 USD, depending on scale, condition, and visual impact. Given the vessel’s above-average height, intact condition, and attractive surface treatment, a realistic current market value is $200 to $300 USD.

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