Black-on-white Tularosa Style Acoma Pueblo Jar [SOLD]

This is a strikingly beautiful Acoma Pueblo polychrome water jar with a high shoulder decorated in black-on-white designs and devoid of red except for the underbody.

The intricate Tularosa-style design is a series of curvilinear, rectilinear, and fine-line elements combined in an Escher-like manner that is as contemporary as any design and yet reflects its roots of a thousand years ago. This jar is unquestionably the work of Mary Histia; it is signed on the bottom simply Made in Acoma Sky City, New Mex. 1958.

Histia deserves to be classed as a Modernist artist. Her art is old, yet alive and dynamic—an expression of a continuing vigor. She did not confine her art to a mere repetition of her previous work, nor did she resort to meaningless geometric designs, but she continually experimented and added to her repertoire. Her designs are at once classic and modern.

The Tularosa-style designs were a favorite of hers although she produced innumerable other designs.

Condition: There is some minor spalling in a few spots around the vessel and some minor abrasion of the dark brown paint, but the overall condition is very good.

Provenance: From the estate of Transcendental artist Florence Pierce of Albuquerque who passed away in 2007 at the age of 89.