Pre-Columbian, Mexico and northern Central America, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A gorgeous pottery vessel presenting a cylindrical body with inward-curving walls and a circular rim, all sitting upon a flat base. Boasting an intricately incised decorative program, the exterior of the vessel is adorned with a block glyph design in low relief with 2 large square glyphs decorating the body and an additional band of glyphs sitting just below the rim. Lovely remains of white stucco embellish the areas below the band and surrounding the 2 larger glyphs. Size: 4.4" Diameter x 7.1" H (11.2 cm x 18 cm)

Scholars posit that the Maya offered cylinder vessels as diplomatic gifts, and many were used to serve and drink the traditional cacao (chocolate) beverage. In Maya art, tall cylinders like this one are presented in scenes depicting the preparation of the cocoa drink that was extremely popular with the Maya. Large cylindrical vessels like this were placed on the ground, and the drink was poured from smaller vessels above to create a frothy mixture.

These ancient glyphs decorating this vessel may convey an important date, a secret message, or simply be part of the vessel's aesthetic program. According to Dorie Reents-Budet, "One of the remarkable characteristics of Classic Maya painted pottery is the use of writing as more than simply a way to communicate ideas. As in the Islamic tradition, Maya artists employed calligraphy as a prime design feature and as an integral part of the total composition… The hieroglyphic texts also were used as compositional devices, placed specifically to help define the internal tensions, balances and divisions within the pictorial field." (Dorie Reents-Budet, "Painting the Maya Universe: Royal Ceramics of the Classic Period", Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 1994, page 12)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired 2004; ex-Roy Oswalt collection, New Mexico, USA

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#168198

Collection label and felt pads added to base for stability. Repaired from several pieces with restoration. Restoration to rim. Expected surface wear, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with liberal remains of stucco and nice remaining details.