Artemio Poma Gutierrez (Peruvian, b. 1973)...

Updated August 22, 2026

This auction ended on August 30, 2026. See upcoming auctions from Gallery Arts & Auctions Co..

Lot number	121
Estimate	500.00 - 800.00 USD
Auction	International Fine Art & Original Peruvian Ceramics
Date	August 30, 2026 at 1:30 PM MDT
Auction house	Gallery Arts & Auctions Co.
Location	New Mexico, New Mexico

Monumental Andean Ceremonial Candleholder with Musicians Master Quinua Ceramic. This exceptional Monumental Andean Ceremonial Candleholder with Musicians is a completely original hand-built ceramic sculpture by celebrated Peruvian master artisan Artemio Poma Gutierrez of Quinua, Ayacucho. Created entirely by hand within one of Peru's most distinguished ceramic traditions, the work combines ceremonial symbolism, architecture, music, sculptural portraiture, and richly painted ornament into an unusually complex and commanding composition. The sculpture rises from a large expressive vessel modeled in the form of a stylized face, whose prominent eyes, ears, mouth, and hand-painted decoration give the base a powerful ceremonial presence. Above it stands an elaborate architectural structure incorporating arched openings, sculptural towers, floral ornament, and finely modeled decorative elements that recall the churches and ceremonial architecture of the Peruvian Andes. Flanking the central architectural section are two individually modeled Andean musicians, each holding traditional instruments. Their presence introduces a strong narrative element and connects the sculpture with the music, celebration, and communal traditions that form an essential part of Andean cultural life. The upper section culminates in an impressive three-light candleholder, supported by a broad horizontal structure decorated with birds, floral medallions, geometric bands, and hand-painted motifs. The carefully balanced arrangement gives the work both architectural monumentality and visual symmetry, while the sculptural details reward close viewing from multiple angles. The warm palette of natural terracotta, cream, reddish brown, and white enhances the traditional character of the piece. Every surface has been modeled, assembled, painted, and finished by hand, with individual roof forms, birds, musicians, facial features, flowers, geometric borders, and ornamental passages contributing to the richness of the composition. More than a functional candleholder, this work is conceived as a ceremonial sculptural object celebrating the relationship between music, faith, architecture, community, and the visual traditions of the Peruvian Andes. Its monumental form and highly detailed execution place it among the more ambitious examples of contemporary Quinua ceramic sculpture. The ceramic tradition of Quinua, Ayacucho, has been recognized as part of Peru's National Cultural Heritage, reflecting the historical importance and continuity of this extraordinary artistic practice. Works by the artist have previously been presented through auctions organized by the Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI). ARTIST Artemio Poma Gutierrez is a distinguished master ceramist from Quinua, Ayacucho, Peru, and one of the recognized contemporary continuators of the region's celebrated ceramic tradition. His work combines ancestral hand-building

Artemio Poma Gutierrez (Peruvian, b. 1973)...

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