Acoma Polychrome Parrot Jar [SOLD]

The most frequently sought design on an Acoma jar is one featuring parrots and double rainbows. This is an exceptionally fine example of that, dating from circa 1900-1910. The high point of maximum diameter, design elements, execution and a shorter neck are indicative of vessels created after 1900.

Formed in native clay with ground pottery shard temper, this vessel exhibits a rag-wiped white slip, red neck interior, and red-slipped underbody with concave base, typical of Acoma pottery.

As is typical of parrot design jars, the artist chose not to divide the design field into distinct areas separated by division lines. Rather, she chose to use the full field to express the single artistic concept, and this she did beautifully. There are three magnificent parrots perched on branches with berries. Each parrot is completely enclosed in a double rainbow and has clouds above its crowned head.

Between the three parrot design panels, the artisan inserted a vertical rectangular design in black featuring a beautifully executed diamond meticulously filled in with cross hachuring. Above and below the diamond are clouds and rain.

This jar has that wonderful smooth semi gloss finish associated with years of being handled by someone. Minor slip loss under the decorated area attests to years of pueblo use as a water jar.