Cylindrical Vessel
The clean lines and spare ornament of this Maya ceramic vessel illustrate the early stages of an art form for which the ancient Maya have become renowned. The refined simplicity of style and noble presentation of form in this early Maya cylinder suggests ownership by a person of rank; however, the object's good condition refutes any suggestion of use in daily life. The fine proportions, with a flat base, tall, slender sides, and slightly flared mouth, are accentuated by the simple incised vertical lines and the horizontal band that tops them. This elegant vessel predates the painted cylinders with narrative scenes for which the Maya are well known, but its tall shape resonates in later work.
Artwork Details
- Title: Cylindrical Vessel
- Date: 1st century BCE–1st century CE
- Geography: Guatemala, Mesoamerica
- Culture: Maya
- Medium: Ceramic, slip
- Dimensions: Height 10 in. (25.4 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics-Containers
- Credit Line: Gift of Arthur M. Bullowa, 1982
- Object Number: 1982.207.6
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.