Hopi Polychrome Bowl with Sio Salako and Bird Designs [SOLD]

Jacob Myron Koopee passed away in the summer of 2011 at the early age of 41 years. He was the grandson of Marie Koopee, great-grandson of Nellie Nampeyo and great great grandson of Nampeyo of Hano. He was at the height of his career and had received many awards for his pottery. He was accepted as one of the finest of contemporary Hopi potters. His is a great loss to collectors.

This shallow bowl is clear testament to his talent as a potter and painter. The Sikyatki-style birds were rendered in absolute perfection. The lines are thin and clean and the paint was applied in even consistency. They appear to be encircling and protecting the image of the Hopi Sio Salako Katsina in the center of the bowl.  The four hands are a design from prehistoric Hopi pottery. Each one of the hook designs pendant from the rim was rendered perfectly.

Jacob Koopee seemed never to run out of designs.  Many members of the family have painted the same Sikyatki-revival designs over and over, but he created a new design for every vessel he made.  He was a very talented and creative artist who provided us with a wonderful group of exquisite items to cherish.

Condition: original condition with minor touch up to the brown rim.

Provenance: from the collection of an Arizona resident

Recommended Reading: Hopi-Tewa Pottery: 500 Artist Biographies [1st ED/1st Print:] by Gregory and Angie Schaaf