Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. An impressive pottery vessel presenting a cylindrical form with a flat, circular base and tall walls that rise to an annular rim. Boasting vivid hues of black, orange, beige, white, and red, the exterior walls are adorned with the image of 2 jaguar deities, both shown standing on their hind legs and confronting one another. Each of the beasts are shown in profile with a thick, black-colored body, a spotted shawl that drapes over the shoulders, and a headdress with lengthy, white plumes that fall behind them. A narrow tube is shown on the interior, travelling vertically up the wall. Size: 2.7" Diameter x 4" H (6.9 cm x 10.2 cm)
Known as the "king of beasts" in the Pre-Columbian world and infamous for possessing high speed and massive strength, the jaguar was believed to dominate nature and inspire respect and awe throughout the ancient Americas. Jaguars were associated with strength and leadership, whether regarding spirituality or martial skill. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this King of Beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World whom they viewed as their spirit companion and protector. According to a dramatic narrative in the Popol Vuh, the protective hero twin Xbalanque, possessing a zoomorphic phenotype with jaguar skin, fought the monster macaw Vucub Caquix with his twin Hunahpu, and the hero twins defeated the monster.
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA, "Fine Pre-Columbian and Tribal Art, Classical, Egyptian, and Asian Antiquities" auction (auction 102, June 9th, 10th, and 14th, 2021, lot 168); ex-private New York City, New York, USA collection; ex-Merrin Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired 1968 to 1969
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#166778
Condition
Repair and restoration to 2 areas along rim, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Stabilization to several hairline fissures, mostly visible within interior cavity. Abrasions to rim, body, and base, with light fading to original pigments, and light encrustations within interior cavity. Nice preservation to pigment across exterior surfaces as well as great root marks throughout. Old inventory labels beneath base.