\\\\*Ceremonial vase Codex

\\\\*Ceremonial vase Codex

with a slightly flared rim, depicting four deities who are said to be responsible for the creation of the world. These four figures, depicted in profile and seated in line, have symbols on their arms and thighs that identify them as supernatural beings. What's more, all four share the following common features: their hair is styled in a raised bun, and each has jaguar ears. On the other hand, each deity has his or her own particularities. The position of the hands is different, as are the facial features. The first god (from left) stands out because he has a filed upper tooth. The second has a missing lower jaw, a characteristic of the god Pax. The third has a bifurcated tongue, perhaps representing wisps of smoke. Finally, the fourth represents the Jaguar Paddler. The scene is painted on a cream-colored background. The top and bottom of the vase are decorated all around with a wide band of orange, surrounded by a black line on the inside. The upper part of the vase is adorned with a decorative frieze of hieroglyphs. Beige terracotta with light beige, orange, orange-red and brown decoration Maya - Mexico, AD 550 - 750 Height: 17.1 cm Diameter of opening: 13.9 cm Base diameter: 12.7 cm This vase is a superb example of Maya ceramics, the medium of a pictorial art considered one of the most sophisticated and refined manifestations of Mesoamerica. The richness of its decoration, enhanced by sublime, vivid colors, and the symbolic force of the painted scene make it a unique work, testifying to the excellence of Mayan artists who, without metal tools or a potter's wheel, managed to create objects of unrivalled finesse and beauty. Decorated vases were considered luxury items and prestigious gifts, given and exchanged by the elites of sometimes distant city-states on various occasions, notably to celebrate alliances. This vase, with its delicate, colorful design and rich iconography, bears witness to the perfect technical mastery of Mayan artists. Provenance : - Former Yvon Collet collection, 1967 - Galerie Mermoz, 2004