- 132
Maya polychrome cylinder vessel, Late Classic, ca. A.D. 550-950
Estimate
25,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
- clay
graphically painted with two catfish swimming in the reddened primordial sea, each with open toothy mouths, spiky barbels beneath the chin and underside, with snail shells between, the rim encircled by a finely detailed chevron band.
Provenance
Peter G. Wray Collection
American Private Collection, (Sotheby's, May 28, 1997, lot 188)
Exhibited
Dallas, Chocolate Pots and Tomb Guardians from Ancient Mexico, Dallas Museum of Art, June 1990-September 1993
Condition
Overall very good but has 2-3 vertical cracks and overpainted along those lines.
One line down one of the fish, the other down one of the shells. Nice painting style and excellent color.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
A small series of highly similar vases depict the swimming catfish, which refers to the Hero Twins who were reborn as catfish in one of their sacrificial escapades in the Underworld. See Reents- Budet (2004: fig. 6.8) and Sotheby's, November 22, 1993, lot 130 for other examples of this series.