Water-Lily Vessel
Aj Maxam
750–800 CE
Medium
Earthenware and pigment
Dimensions
24 × 15 cm (9 1/2 × 6 in.)
Classification
ceramics
Department
Arts of the Americas
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
126858
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The simple, elegant design of this vessel reflects the refined abilities of the artist, who painted images of water lilies and a hieroglyphic text with a perfectly controlled brush. The inscription below was the first to be deciphered on a Classic Maya vessel. It states the name of the artist, Ah Maxam (aj maxam), and declares that he is a member of the royal lineage of the kingdom of Naranjo. His mother and father are also named on this vessel, as well as on other dynastic monuments from the re...