|
HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Toltec Art : Toltec Plumbate Vessel with Incised Glyphs
|
 |
|
|
|
Toltec Plumbate Vessel with Incised Glyphs - SP.532
Origin: Soconusco, Guatemala
Circa: 900
AD
to 1200
AD
Dimensions:
7.5" (19.1cm) high
Collection: Toltec Art
Style: Toltec
Medium: Plumbate
Condition: Extra Fine
$9,000.00
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
This stunning Toltec vessel, known as plumbate
ware, is distinguished by its attractive glassy
luster, which was produced by covering the
vessel in a slip high in iron and aluminum
content and then firing the pot at high
temperatures. Greatly prized as a luxury item,
Toltec vessels such as this formed a unique
component in the repertoire of Mesoamerican
art. Its distinctive luster, combined with the
attractive shape and artistically rendered incised
glyphs on its surface, makes this a work of art to
be cherished today as well, for its beauty is
timeless in its ability to arouse the senses.
The Toltec civilization first gained ascendany in
the Vallery of Mexico around 900 A.D., after the
fall of Teotihuacan. Although their origins and
early history are obscure, the Toltecs appear to
have ancient ties to both the Mixtec and the
Zapotec. The word Toltec means “master
builders” in the Nahuatl language, a testament to
the sophistication of Toltec constructions. Their
art and architecture was highly influenced by
Teotihuacan as well as the ancient Olmec culture.
The Toltecs were technologically advanced,
capable of smelting metals. Their stonework was
impecable as the ruins of Tula demonstrate. This
archaeological site is believed to be Tollan, the
legendary capital of the Toltec civilization
referred to in a number of postconquest sources.
Their social structure was headed by an elite
class of warriors. Excavation have uncovered the
ceremonial center that included a pyramid
structure topped by a temple dedicated to the
hero-god Quetzalcoatl.
Pottery vessels of this type are known as
plumbate-ware. During the height of the Toltec
civilization, plumate works were produced at
only one place: on the Pacific slope of the
Soconusco region in modern Guatemala.
Furthermore, the process by which it was made
seems to have been a closely guarded secret.
Such wares were highly valued throughout
Mesoamerica and were traded along commercial
networks that extended as far as Panama.
Plumate was so desirable in part because it
maintains an exceptional hardness that can be
scarcely scratched with steel.
- (SP.532)
|
| |
|
