From The Collection Of… is a new series highlighting the amazing artwork of the world that is discoverable — and shareable — on the Internet. Most museum collections contain far too many pieces to exhibit in their galleries, so locating these images online may be one of the only ways of enjoying them. Over the next year or so, I will be sharing my favorites from collections large and small, far and wide. Follow My Word now to enjoy this journey through the — often hidden away — world of art.
This is an interesting and lovely piece and yet another artifact that is not currently on display at the museum. This is one great reason why I started this series. I have visited the museum on numerous occasions, but have never seen this piece before. It is listed as a Mayan piece from Mexico in the catalog. — Douglas
Drinking Vessel Depicting Otherworldly Toad, Jaguar, and Serpent
Mexico, Southern Campeche, Maya, 650–800 CECeramics
Slip-painted ceramic
(Diameter): 5 1/8 in. (13.02 cm) Height: 5 3/8 in. (13.65 cm)
Elegantly painted ceramic vessels constituted the premier form of artistic expression during the Late Classic period (550-850 AD) of ancient Maya civilization, and none were more beautifully painted than those known as codex style. Named for their resemblance to the Maya codices, or painted books, codex style ceramics such as this Drinking Vessel depict highly esoteric scenes describing the fundamental concepts of Maya religious belief and practice and the special role of kings as participants in the supernatural realm. — LACMA
Read more about The LA County Museum of Art in these books