Royal Maya Covered Tripod...

Description

Royal Maya Covered Tripod

Maya, Southern Lowlands
C. 600-900 AD
Slipped Ceramic with Stucco Paint
9½" Tall x 7½" Wide

The two part vessel is supported on three openwork flaring legs having 'T' cutouts to the side, the glyph for ik', meaning 'wind', and closely associated with the wind god himself, Ehecatl. The fine ceramic is covered in a smooth, vibrant orange slip and decorated with a large oval handle similar to the ball game goals while the base and lid feature rattle orbs, four on the base, and four on the lid. The rattle balls create a gentle sound of rain falling on jungle foliage when shaking the piece. The wonderful vessel retains highly rare original Maya stucco paint exhibiting how elaborately painted this Royal vessel had been when interred. Remaining paints are in a pale aqua, bold pink, and dark blue. The lid retains original aqua on two rattles, aqua surrounding the handle base, all three legs retaining most of their pink, and the remains surrounding most of the bells show the vessel had a pink background painted with glyphs in aqua blue and dark blue. The vessel would have been a beautiful masterwork and is fortunate to retain any of the existing fragile material at all.

The lid is reconstructed from six pieces while the vessel has five re-glued pieces on one side, and with no restoration.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.