Maya Polychrome Pottery IK site Cylinder Vessel by the Master of the Pink Glyphs A

Central Peten Lowlands, IK' Polity (Motul de San Jose), IK' site group 1 or 2, Late Classic Period, Circa 750 to 850 AD,    

Acylindrical buff earthenware vessel of the IK' site group bearing red, orange, black, brown, and pink polychrome on creamy white slip; the interior rim boasts a black scalloped motif. Illustrated are 2 right-facing figures, one kneeling and one standing behind, both with orange-red skin and wearing headdress with sweeping black feathers. An additional pair of left-facing figures are shown opposite the first pair, with one seated upon a throne with arms crossed in his lap, and one standing - perhaps the nicknamed "Fat Cacique" - with a voluminous waist holding one hand out in front of his chest. Several pink-hued glyphs are written in a non-PSS (primary standard sequence) and perhaps provide a dedication to the depicted event, the proceedings of said event, and a list of the attendees' names including that of the host. Size: 4.45" Diameter x 7.2" H (11.3 cm x 18.3 cm)

According to Maya expert Doris Reents-Budet, "The IK'-style is characterized by its historical subject matter, recording sociopolitical and ritual events enacted by such rulers as the 'Fat Cacique' and Lord Completion-Star and their subordinate dignitaries from throughout the polity. Other characteristics of the IK'-style vessels include a bright white background, black-painted rims with a scallop motif embellishing the inside of the rims, and glyphs outlined in a dark rose color and sometimes filled with a lighter and more translucent pink wash. Interestingly, the IK'-style seems to be represented only by vases and flat-bottomed dishes with out flaring walls. Notably absent are plate forms, strongly suggesting a specialized function for these vessels." (Dorie Reents-Budet. "Painting the Maya Universe: Royal Ceramics of the Classic Period." Duke University Press, 1994, p. 172)

Cf. Dorie Reents-Budet. "Painting the Maya Universe: Royal Ceramics of the Classic Period." Duke University Press, 1994, Ch. 5, pp. 166-170, figs. 5.2, 5.4, and 5.5

Provenance: Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010