Before Columbus discovered the New World, great Indian civilizations thrived in Central and South America, with the richest and most powerful centered in the modern nations of Mexico and Guatemala, and Peru. Between the 2nd century BC and the 7th century AD, the Moche culture of Peru produced a naturalistic ceramic art that included portraits of great individuality and expressive power. This portrait Vessel depicts a forceful ruler.

The Londonderry Vase was one of the most ambitious undertakings of the imperial porcelain manufactory at Sevres. With its commanding coutours, monumetal size, symmetrical decorations, and unabashed splendor, the vase is a superb example of the Empire style, inspired by Roman imperial art.