Ceremonial Maya Marble Feasting Vessel, Ulúa Valley

Malcolm Delacorte, Cornwall, New York, acquired in 1957

Jaeger Collection, Germany, acquired in 1980

Sotheby's, New York, Pre-Columbian Art, November 20, 1995, lot 159 

European Private Collection, acquired at the above auction

Thence by descent

The tall cylindrical vessel carved on each side with a stylized zoomorphic head with lunate eyes, ovoid mouth showing, with opposed volutes on the forehead, surrounded overall with bands of scrolls, each massive handle depicts a crouching feline.

White limestone marble vessels, used to drink chocolate or other ritual beverages, became prized possessions after about the seventh century. Vases of this style originated from sites near Travesía in the Ulúa Valley, in the Gulf of Honduras, and were gifted and traded as luxury throughout the Mexican corridor from Guanacaste to the central Mayan lowlands.

For a similar example, see Denver Art Museum, 1979.329.