GARDE

GARDE

*Ceremonial vase depicting a palace scene. To the right, on a dais, a sovereign dominates the scene. He sits cross-legged on a throne, leaning slightly forward, his gaze directed at three warriors in front of him. His right arm is raised and his finger 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 attire. 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 stripes delineate 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 composed of fan-shaped feathers topped by a bouquet of quetzal tail feathers. His left knee rests on the ground as a sign of respect. The second warrior, of smaller 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. Each is dressed in a long, knee-length skirt. Although it has now largely disappeared, it would appear that a tribute-type 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. This was probably a set of white textiles, a typical element of 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 seated 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 A.D. 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 liveliness and fluidity. The representation of the ritual life of the elite is a favorite theme in Mayan polychrome ceramics. The delicacy of the design and the richness of the iconography and polychromy testify to the perfect technical mastery of Mayan artists, making this vase an exceptional piece.