brightly painted on each side with a lively audience scene of two dignitaries, one of elite stature with massive plumed headdress with bird mask and wearing a thick yoke adorned with masks and dangles, the other figure in a white head turban with water lily frond and humming bird, on one side the figures boldly gesturing identically, on the other side the turbaned figure in a submissive mode; a Primary Standard sequence encircling the rim, the whole on a bright yellow orange ground with bright white details in resist technique.

Daniel Friedenberg, acquired in 1980, (Sotheby's, May 15, 2003, lot 261)
Acquired by the present owner from the above auction

Charlottesville, The University of Virginia Art Museum, The John-Platt Collection of Pre-Columbian Art, Spring, 1986
Greenwich, The Bruce Museum, A Cosmic View, Pre-Columbian Art from the John-Platt Collection, September 25, 1994-January 8, 1995

Hasso von Winning, The John-Platt Collection of Pre-Columbian Art, Charlottesville, 1986, front and back cover, cat. no. 135
Deborah Brinkerhoff, A Cosmic View, Pre-Columbian Art from the John-Platt Collection, Greenwich, 1994, cat. no. 27
mayavase.com, K1186

Overall very good condition, but does show 2 sliver cracks which are stabilized. On the side shown in the photo (left figure is in profile), there is line from the rim into the feather part of the headdress, but does not seem to extend further. On the reverse side (where left figure is facing more frontally, the crack extends from the rim down through the wrist of the lord seated on the right. Good signs of encrustation on the interior. The super burnished surface is a trait of this style of vessel, appears original, and intentional.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This lively audience scene between two ahawobs, or lords, is part of a distinctive painting style associated with an important polity named Hiix Witz. See Martin and Reents-Budet (2010), and mayavase.com,  K8665.