^Lot 134b A Large Pre-Columbian Maya Plate, Seated Figure on Bench

A large Maya polychrome tripod plate, circa 600 A.D. - 900 A.D. Museum deaccession. This example measures about 12" across, and includes acrylic display stand, as shown. It features white, yellow, brown, orange and red pigments to depict a finely rendered individual seated upon a bench, who is either receiving or inspecting pottery goods, perhaps for purchase or as gifts/tribute. The fact that the individual is shown seated upon the bench is significant, and implies not only elite status, but also power and authority in Maya iconography- often indicative of a ruler. This important individual is also shown wearing fine clothing and adornments, and body paint/pigment. Bands of glyphs are featured near different items at four separate places in the scene, perhaps serving as descriptive or naming labels for the different items shown. The inner rim of the plate features geometric designs including step-frets. It sits upon three tripod legs and even has decorative banded patterns on the back/underside. This plate was broken in ancient times and has been re-glued from large fragments (best seen from the back), with very little loss in the breaklines. Minor fill has been used where small gaps may have existed in the breaklines. The breaklines do not interfere with the figural portion of the scene in a distracting way. Minor pigment loss, erosion, chipping and abrasions overall. The plate displays impressively as-is, retaining it's archaeological integrity, or it may be professionally restored, if desired. All areas of the figure and the scene retain enough of the original line so that it could easily by touched up by a competent restorer to revitalize the scene, if so desired.

Provenance: Ex Arte Primitivo. Museum de-accession, former Pine Crest School Museum collection, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.

This lot will be sold not subject to a reserve. The starting price is the price at which the item can sell.