holmes! vases of the polychrome group. 143 



shape is such as would result from inverting the preceding form, re- 

 moving the conical base of the body, and using the funnel shaped 

 orifice as a stand. This highly developed shape implies a long prac- 



FiG. 210. The painted designs of vase in Fig. 309 viewed from above. 



tice of the art. The form is a usual one in Mexico and in Central 

 America. The bowl is shallow and is set gracefully upon the .stand, 

 the whole shape closely resembling simple conditions of the classic 

 kylix. The color of the paste is a pale brick red and that of the slip 

 approaches orange. The walls are thick and even and the surface is 

 very carefully polished. 



The painted decoration is of unusual interest. The colors are so 

 rich, the execution is so superior, and the concei^tion so strange that 

 we dwell upon it with surprise and wonder. The central portion of 

 the bowl is occupied by what would seem to represent a fish painted 

 in strong, firm, marvelously turned lines, and in a style of convention 

 wholly unique. Thi' outlines are in black and the spaces are filled in 

 with red and puriilc > >r ,nv left in the orange hue of the groimd. An 

 idea of the superior .style of execution can be gained from Fig. 215. 

 It will lie impossible to characterize the details of the drawing 

 in words. The strange position and shape of the head, the oddly 

 placed eyes and nioutli. ami the totally incomprehensible treatment 

 of the body can be ajipivci.iied. however, by referring to the illustra- 

 tion. A careful study leads inevitably to the conclusion that this 



