*Vase cérémoniel cylindrique

with polychrome decoration representing a palace scene with six characters. The scene is organized in two sequences that are read from left to right following the direction of the glyphic text. In the centre of the composition, a standing figure is dressed in a long coloured loincloth decorated with black circular motifs that alternate with red bands. His torso is bare, adorned only with a pectoral representing a human face and a black cord with fangs. He is adorned with bracelets, a top hat and wears a fan made of feathers. His face is characteristic of Mayan representations with almond-shaped eyes and an aquiline nose. In front of him, a seated figure is dressed in white bands around his waist. His headdress is simpler, reduced to a headband decorated with colored circular patterns. The second sequence depicts two figures facing each other. The first is richly adorned and is 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 naked but adorned with a red cord decorated with fangs. The character's headdress is more complex than the previous one. It consists of a stylized jaguar head, recognizable by its eye, its fangs, and its spotted robe, from which a plume of feathers escapes. In his hand he holds a fan made of feathers similar to that of the first dignitary. A servant is facing him, dressed simply in a white loincloth bordered by a red border and a hat made of turbans. These two sequences are framed by two naked servants standing back to back, their waists simply girded by white bands. The lip and foot of the vase are decorated with a thin black band. Maya - Mexico, 550 - 850 AD Beige terracotta with polychrome decoration 18.5 x 13 cm Good state of conservation The finesse of the design and the richness of the polychromy make this vase a magnificent example of Maya creations. The quality is reinforced here by the complexity of the composition where the scenes are intertwined and allow the eye to circulate all around the vase. Provenance: Former Spencer Throckmorton collection, 1966 Lot presented in Temporary Importation