Maya Blackware Lidded Vessel Early Classic, ca. A.D. 250-450

of large form, the finely modeled thin walls and lid carefully carved on each side with a stylized long-lipped monster, with snout upcurled, scroll pupil, and the fitted lid with a large cacao pod as handle, the whole supported on rattling hemispherical feet and decorated around the basal rim and lid with additional stylized cacao beans.

Stendahl Gallery, Los Angeles
Dr. William F. Kaiser, acquired from the above in the mid 1960's
Sotheby's, New York, November 24, 1986, lot 139

The lid has been repaired in 4-6 areas, all clean breaks and repairs, very fine and thin walled. The base is in excellent condition, walls and base appear intact; teh rattle feet show they have been reattached at the join.
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.

This volumnious yet delicate vessel shows the strong influence of thin-walled Teotihuacan ceramics featured in Early Classic Maya tripod vessels. The incised motif of the long-lipped monster is a representation of this important creature who resides at the interface of the Underworld and upper realm. The stylized pods, which give an element of  musicality with the varying rattle tones, may signify fertility and growth in the upper world. For other Early Classic lidded vessels with similar incised motifs, see Hellmuth (1987:5, colorplate I); see also Gallenkamp and Johnson eds.(1985:114, cat. no. 28) for a vessel with pod handle and feet.