Maya Polychrome Cylinder Vessel

An exceptional Pre-Columbian Maya cylinder vessel from Mexico, made during the Classic Period (ca. 500–800 AD). Vessels of this form were used to prepare and serve cacao, a prestigious frothy drink consumed by the Maya elite at feasts, ceremonies and diplomatic gatherings. The cup is painted in red, orange and black on a cream-orange ground. A band of glyphs runs below the rim, and the main panel shows a richly dressed figure in profile, seated and wearing an elaborate feathered headdress, ear ornaments and a beaded collar. Vertical columns of glyphs frame the scene on either side. The fluent line and careful composition reflect the refined pictorial and symbolic art of the Maya painters, who were among the most sophisticated artists of ancient America. The vessel measures approximately 22 cm in height and 17 cm in diameter and comes from a former European private collection.