Maya Sun God Figure from a Large Urn Late Classic, ca. A.D. 550-950

the dramatic figure of the sun deity Kinich Ahau, or God G, modeled on the side of a large cylindrical urn, a serpent binding him at the waist, with legs and arms clutching the sides and head turned around, the face with distinctive scrolled pupils encircled by the crueller knot on the head, barbels descending from the mouth, and large jaguar ears above the thick brows, a plait of striated hair referencing maize silk on top of the head, with a clawed paw projecting on the wall, and with remains of blue, yellow and white pigment.

Baronne de Kerdaniel
Ernst Ascher, Paris, an important African and modern art dealer in the postwar circle of Parisian dealers Paul Guillaume and Charles Ratton 
By descent in the family
Sotheby's, New York, May 13, 2011, lot 140, consigned by the above

Paris, Arts Mayas du Guatemala, Grand Palais, June - September, 1968

M. Henri Lehmann, Arts Mayas du Guatemala, 1968, no. 144, illustrated

Figure is essentially very good, but has losses as shown, includ. PR ear ornament, feet, left hand. The fragment is repaired along a vertical break to the right of the figure.
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 animated depiction of Kinich Ahau, the Sun deity, shown with the diagnostic scrolled eyes and barbels at his mouth, was probably one of several figures on this large urn. The Sun deity is the supreme life force, with both benevolent and ominous aspects; the fierce jaguar is the animal most closely associated with him. See Schmidt (1998: fig. 375, and fig. 329).