*Vase cérémoniel

representing a palace scene. On the right, on a platform, a sovereign dominates the scene. He is sitting cross-legged on a throne, leaning slightly forward and looking at three warriors before him. His right arm is raised and his finger is pointed at the first of them. His corpulent body is executed in dark reddish tones, while his clothing and accessories are highlighted by lighter, translucent tones. He wears a loincloth tied around his waist and a sophisticated headdress decorated with several elements. The main element, a water lily flower, is the characteristic attribute of royal dress. At the back of the headdress, quetzal tail feathers fall down the back. The sovereign is also adorned with a large pectoral jewel, ear ornaments and bracelets. His left hand rests on his left knee, while his right hand holds what appears to be a battle standard. Behind him, two wide, dark vertical bands mark a wall, placing him in the foreground. In front of him stand three warriors, recognizable by their long spears. They are also painted in dark reddish tones and dressed in light-colored loincloths. Each wears an elaborate headdress reflecting his occupation and social rank. The first warrior wears an impressive headdress made up of fan-shaped feathers topped with a bunch of quetzal tail feathers. His left knee rests on the ground as a sign of respect. The second warrior, of small stature, wears a headdress with a bird's head and a large set of feathers. Finally, the third warrior wears a headdress with a stag's head and holds his left arm across his chest in a gesture of submission. In the background, on either side of the throne, stand two servants. They are each dressed in a long skirt that falls below the knees. Although now largely gone, it appears that a tribute offering rested on the first step in front of the left foot of the throne. Its outline defined by a faint black line is still visible with the interior space filled with a translucent whitish wash. It was probably a set of white textiles, a typical element of the tribute. The scene is painted on a light beige background. The top of the vase is decorated all around with a band of black glyphs, separated from the main design by a thin brown line. The iconography nevertheless intrudes into or overlaps the text in several places. The text identifies an individual, probably the owner of the vase and the person sitting on the throne, with at least six or seven titles. These include "resplendent lord of the tree," "sacred man," and the supreme title of kaloomte. Brown terracotta with beige, red-orange and brown-black polychrome decoration Maya, Mexico - Guatemala, 450 - 750 AD 19.6 x 11.3 cm Provenance: Former Spencer Throckmorton collection since 1967 This scene, which covers the entire surface of the vase, is painted with vivacity and fluidity. The representation of the ritual life of the elites is a favourite theme in Maya polychrome ceramics. The delicacy of the drawing, as well as the richness of the iconography and polychromy, testify to the perfect technical mastery of Mayan artists and make this vase an exceptional piece. Good state of conservation Lot presented in Temporary Importation