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)
- (PF.2560)
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