Lot 218
Maya civilization, Late Classic Period, ca. 600900 CE. Lowland Maya region, likely Petén Basi, slipped and painted ceramic. This vibrant ceramic plate exemplifies the finely painted polychrome tradition of the Late Classic Maya. The central scene depicts four rodent-like creatures, possibly stylized agoutis or coatis, arranged in a rotational pattern around a circular medallion. Their sinuous tails and alert poses suggest movement and perhaps ritual or cosmological significance. Painted in warm iron-oxide reds and framed by a concentric triple-band register, the plate's composition is both dynamic and symmetrical. The use of repeating elements and radial orientation is typical of Maya ceramic design, potentially echoing concepts of cardinal directionality, solar movement, or seasonal cycles. The animals are surrounded by sets of tri-dot motifs and curved linespossibly indicating sound, breath, or speech scrolls, or even scent or energy, depending on the context. Size: 12.375" W x 3" H (31.4 cm x 7.6 cm)
These graphic devices appear on other narrative vessels, linking the iconography to themes of communication, transformation, or animistic interaction. Plates of this form and scale were used in both feasting and funerary contexts, and often functioned as elite service ware for cacao or other ritual foods. Their central imagesviewed only when the contents were consumedlinked everyday acts with mythological or ceremonial meanings.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
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#194816
- Condition: Repaired from 3 pieces. Repaint over one half of the break, the other half rejoined with minor pigment damage. One other small spot of paint refreshing. Surface deposits but strong overall coloration.
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