BOL À DÉCOR DE GLYPHES ET FLEURS CULTURE MAYACLASSIQUE RÉCENT, 550-950 AP. J.-C. |

Collection Carol Meyer (1915-2006), New York
Sotheby's, New York, Property from the Collection of Carol Meyer, 17 novembre 2006, n° 343
Importante Collection privée française

Kerr (J.), The Maya Vase Book, vol. 2, 1990, p. 287 
Kerr (J.), mayavase.com, n° K 2777

with significant blue-tinged stucco remaining along the inside and outside of the rim, with fifteen large, finely painted glyphs encircling the rim referring to the ownership of the vase in a dynastic statement, and the use of the bowl for chocolate maize gruel, the lower portion gracefully fluted in wide vertical grooves and painted with a repeating rosette design composed of clusters of freshwater shells, the rosette pattern repeated in a cross formation on the base of the vessel. Excellent condition overall, vessel is intact. Some small losses of stucco on the rim. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Le bol, de taille basse et de forme légèrement évasée, est superbement enveloppé d’un riche décor peint et modelé ornant l’intérieur, les parois externes et la base. Le délicat stuc bleu qui en souligne la lèvre met en valeur l’ample frise de quinze glyphes évoquant son illustre propriétaire et la boisson sacrée des Mayas, composée de maïs et de chocolat. La formule dédicatoire qui compose cette séquence de glyphes (dite « Suite Primaire Standard ») a été traduite par Yuriy Polyukhovych (cf. mayavase.com, n°K 2777) comme : "Ici est faite la peinture de son réceptacle pour boire du chocolat atole [gruau de maïs], d'Ix Sak Wayaas, sainte personne elle incarne Nal dans le jeu de balle ». La partie inférieure de la paroi est modelée en reliefs cannelés et ornée de motifs de coquillages d’eau douce agencés en rosaces florales, également représentées sur la base. Voir Reents-Budet, Painting the Maya Universe, 1994, p. 157, et Sotheby's, New York, 17-18 mai 2000, n° 166, pour deux réceptacles d’apparat provenant, selon toute vraisemblance, du même atelier.

The low bowl is completely enveloped in decoration. It is either painted or modeled on the interior, outside walls and the base. Delicate blue stucco highlights the interior rim and accents the broad band of fifteen glyphs which refer to the owner of the vase and the sacred chocolate maize drink; the lower wall is modeled with fluted bands and painted with floral rosettes composed of freshwater shells. The base is painted with five of the same rosettes. See Reents-Budet, Painting the Maya Universe, 1994, p. 157, and Sotheby's, New York, May 17/18, 2000, no. 166, for two vessels probably from the same workshop. 

The Primary Standard Sequence glyphs on this vase have been translated by Yuriy Polyukhovych to read "Here is made the painting of her drinking vessel for chocolate atole [maize gruel], of Ix Sak Wayaas, holy person she is an impersonator of Nal in the ballgame", see mayavase.com, K2777 for link to the translation and drawing of the glyph band.