Maya Painted Tripod Vessel, Late Classic, ca. A.D. 550-950

finely painted in codex style with two seated scribes before tribute bundles including stacks of bound paper, or cloth, quill pens with feather plumage, blood perforators, and vessels, one figure with his long-fingered hand held up in a releasing gesture and the other holding a plumed quill or perforator, each wearing elaborate headdress with medallions and fringed headband, spotted loincloth, ear-spools, and a large bead on the chest, one bundle surmounted by quills and with a round object atop, perhaps a polishing stone, with glyphs in the field; in black, cream, orange and deep brown.

Western Private Collector, (Sotheby's, November 23, 1998, lot 183)

Francis Robicsek and Donald Hales, The Maya Book of the Dead, The Ceramic Codex, Charlottesville, 1981, p. 69, vessel no. 89

mayavase.com, K1651

Excellent, appears intact. Very nice surface, not overcleaned, interior shows some remaining encrustation. Lovely painting.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Codex style vases, with the distinctive deep brown pigment against the creamy ground reminiscent of the ancient manuscripts, are specific to a region that was considered a seat of power and sacred resources in the Classic era (Le Fort 2005:120). The masterful linework and distinct styles of codex vase painters has enabled scholars to identify individual artists and schools (Kerr and Kerr 1988). The elegant rendition of the hands and feet on this vase warrants comparison to other vessels. See also mayavase.com, K3432.
It is suggested than round stone polishers were used as burnishing tools to prepare the gesso coated paper of codices, see Coe and Kerr (1998:152, fig. 121, for K2285).