A polychrome cylindrical vase decorated in red, white, and black against an orange background. It features a rounded rim, straight walls, and a flat bottom. A horizontal band of glyphs—painted white and outlined in black, and framed by fine black lines—runs beneath the lip.

The body of the vessel is divided into four alternating vertical panels, two of which are red. The main panels, located on opposite sides of the vase, depict an elaborate motif consisting of a circular cartouche—likely glyphic in nature—from which ribbons, scrolls, beads, and other ornamental elements emerge.

The composition is notable for the balance between hieroglyphic writing and decorative motifs, characteristic of the Maya pictorial tradition of the Classic period.

Commentary

According to scholar Jorge Pérez de Lara (personal communication, August 11, 2026), one can “distinguish two AJ writing elements in the figure—one on the left and the other on the right (a red bar with ‘hair’ flanked by two green dots)—while the central symbol could be a LEM ‘shine’ sign.”

Following this same line of interpretation, archaeologist and epigrapher Alejandro Garay (personal communication, August 12, 2026) suggests it could represent “a jewel or a floral motif,” noting that “the two ‘combs’ visible on the sides are the AJ/a sign” and that “the round element could be that sign for shine or polish.”

Both researchers lean toward the idea of ​​a jewel or something similar, though they agree that it is an atypical and quite unique decorative symbol.

Height: 22 cm
Diameter: 15 cm

1. On loan to the Casa Santo Domingo Archaeological Museum, Antigua Guatemala (2008–2015)

2. “MAYA: RULERS OF THE RAINFOREST”
Drents Museum, Assen, Netherlands (February 28 – September 4, 2016)
Historisches Museum der Pfalz, Speyer, Germany (October 2, 2016 – April 23, 2018)
Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ), Spain (May 25, 2017 – January 7, 2018)

3. “MAYAS AT SANTO DOMINGO DEL CERRO.” Santo Domingo del Cerro Cultural Center, Antigua Guatemala (August 16, 2018 – April 20, 2019)

4. “MASTERWORKS BY THE PRE-COLUMBIAN ARTIST.” Santo Domingo del Cerro Cultural Center, Antigua Guatemala (December 2019 – February 2, 2022)