The Teaching Vase Description

This piece is titled The Teaching Vase.  It dates back to Mesoamerican time, and while it is still undetermined, researchers have narrowed the vases place of origin down to either Mexico or Guatemala.

Depicted around this ceramic piece are a series of 5 characters, those being Itzam or the ah k'unun and four students. Ah k'unun means "royal librarian or royal man of the holy books" in Mayan language. In other words, Itzam was what is referred to as a Deity.

Itzam can be seen referencing scrolls and folded codex pieces placed in front of him as he meets the gaze of nervous, onlooking students. It is important to note that their faces are still primarily solemn though, for they understand the seriousness within the opportunity of being a deity's pupil.

While the quality of the vase has decreased overtime, the line work seen is still outstanding. The varying thickness of the lines indicates a steady yet confident hand. The asymmetry of the entire piece, ranging form the lopsided rim to the cartoon-esque illustrations, creates a very natural and familiar look for the vase.

Sources:

“Codex-Style Vessel with Two Scenes of Itzam Instructing Young Pupils.” Kimbell Art Museum, www.kimbellart.org/collection/search/view/556?text=maya.