*Cylindrical ceremonial vessel

*Cylindrical ceremonial vessel

with polychrome decoration depicting a palace scene with six characters. The scene is organized in two sequences, which are read from left to right, following the direction of the glyphic text. In the center of the composition, a standing figure wears a long, colorful loincloth decorated with black circular motifs alternating with red stripes. His torso is bare, adorned only with a pectoral representing a human face and a black cord embellished with fangs. He is adorned with bracelets, a top hat and wears a feather fan. His face is typical of Mayan representations, with almond-shaped eyes and an aquiline nose. In front of him, a seated figure wears white bands around his waist. His headdress is simpler, reduced to a headband adorned with colorful circular motifs. The second sequence depicts two figures facing each other. The first is richly adorned and distinguished from the second by his social rank. He is dressed in a long red loincloth decorated with two round motifs. His torso is also bare, but adorned with a red cord embellished with fangs. The figure's headdress is more complex than the previous one. It features a stylized jaguar head, recognizable by its eye, fangs and mottled coat, from which a plume of feathers escapes. In his hand, he holds a feather fan similar to that of the first dignitary. A servant faces him, dressed simply in a white loincloth edged with red piping and a turbaned hat. These two sequences are framed by two nude servants standing back to back, their waists encircled by white bands. The lip and foot of the vase are decorated with a thin black band. Maya - Mexico, 550 - 850 A.D. Beige terracotta with polychrome decoration 18.5 x 13 cm The finesse of the design and the richness of the polychromy make this vase a magnificent example of Maya creations. The quality is enhanced by the complexity of the composition, with interlocking scenes that allow the eye to wander all around the vase. Provenance: Former Spencer Throckmorton collection, 1966