Much of Mayan art was dedicated to the glorification of their great kings, priests, gods and to their remarkable concept of time. In the artistic expression of the Myriad aspects of this complex culture, the Mayan craftsmen excelled in the ability to fit design, form and function in such a way as to employ each component to its maximum, while at the same time achieving an integrated aesthetic unity. This magnificent polychrome vase is an extraordinary example of this artistry. The vessel's painted surface reveals the Mayan pictorial art and virtually all of their writing was in the calligraphic tradition. In fact, it seems that the Maya invented a brush identical in form to the Chinese brush, to fulfill the same function--as the tool for calligraphic tradition. In fact, it seems that the Maya invented a brush identical in form to the Chinese brush, to fulfill the same function--as the tool for calligraphic line work in both writing and painting. In this stunning vase we see the characteristic spontaneity and calligraphic quality of Mayan pictorial art, rendered in the mural manner, a linear style that befits the smooth vertical surface of the vase. Both the dramatic figures and the band of glyphs evidence an art form truly extraordinary, one that communicates powerfully with the modern world, while at the same time transmitting eloquently the life of the Ancient Maya in all its fascinating complexities. HT. 17.2cm(6 3/4IN) : DIAM. 15.5cm(6 1/8IN)