Mixtec Polychrome Figural Vessel of Chicomecoatl, Mixteca-Puebla style, Postclassic, ca. A.D. 1000-1500

the barrel-shaped vessel applied in low and high relief with a brightly polychromed deity Chicomecoatl, the head dramatically projecting with a sculpted and attentive expression, the arms bent at the sides and hands on the chest, adorned with a painted collar trimmed by copper bells, flaring counterweight  cotton tassels over the shoulder, with a bead trimmed skirt and fully modeled ear ornaments, and with a chevron band around the perimeter, the back painted with large bundles symbolic of chalchiuhuitl, jade. 

Florida private collection, acquired in 1970's

 

Baltimore, The Walters Art Museum, 2002-2010

Gérald Berjonneau, Jean-Louis Sonnery and Emile Deletaille, Rediscovered Masterpieces of Mesoamerica, Boulogne, 1985, fig. 183

Overall excellent, appears intact except for the feet which have been restored , the surface shows usual wear and some painted areas slightly worn on PR side .
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.

Chicomecoatl is the patron of vegetation and the most important deity of the maize cult. She is adorned with signs of fertility such as the large jade symbols around the back of this vase; white cotton tassels are other characteristics of her dress; see the large polychrome vessel for Chicomecoatl/ Tlaloc (Moctezuma and Olguin 2002: cat. no. 284). The Mixteca- Puebla style applies broadly to the Postclassic geographic region, and is noted for the distinctive black outlined, brightly colored ceramics. There is a strong similarity between these ceramics and the Postclassic painted codices. The creative interplay of the vessel form against the varied applique elements of the human figure give an abstract quality to the graphic clarity of the overall figure.