Black-on-red Jar [SOLD]

Tesuque Black-on-red pottery is fashioned in the same manner as polychrome wares. Clay, temper, paste, and construction do not differ. The difference arises when a red slip is wiped on the vessel in lieu of a cream slip.

The underside of the vessel is concave, indicating a date earlier than the tourist era—perhaps 1880 on this piece—and the unslipped lower portion of the vessel shows the ripples that unmistakably identify the origin as Tesuque. The red slip extends about an inch inside the lip, and a black zigzag design, perhaps mountains, decorate it. Seven pairs of parallel black lines roll over the rim. A band of rain clouds encircles the restrictive neck and floral-like elements decorate the main vessel body. 

The double pair of framing lines near the base have ceremonial line breaks, a trait that Harlow says Tesuque potters have stayed away from for the past 300 years. Perhaps this was an innovative potter or a rebellious one. 

Excellent condition.