Cody, Wyoming Collection 4-Color Laguna Jar [SOLD]

Without proper documentation, it is very difficult, sometimes nearly impossible, to distinguish between Acoma and Laguna pottery. Generally, pottery originating from Acoma contains much more design and less free space. Laguna pottery generally features a bold and spacious design.

This jar falls into the latter category. It has three large and spacious elements that dominate the surface of the jar from the lower framing line to the rim. If one uses one's imagination, each of the three designs can be identified as bird designs. Beaks, eyes, wings, feathers can be seen, somewhat independent of each other. The design was executed in four colors.

The underbody is deep red in color. Double framing lines between the design and underbody show no evidence of ceremonial line breaks. The jar has a concave base, brown rim and deep red painted on the inside lip to a depth of 3 inches.

This work is perfectly typical of Laguna ceramics, in form, construction, materials, and design execution. This jar is marvelously patinated, with a smooth, semi-gloss sheen; a complexity of depth, color, and surface completely unattainable other than through the intricacies and subtleties of an aged surface, evidence of many years of service within the pueblo.

The potter who made the jar seems to have had a bad day. The jar tilts to one side and the neck opening is not in direct line with the center of the jar. She had a much better day when she painted the design. Even with these faults, if they may be called that, the jar is a magnificent specimen of a 19th century work of art.

Recommended Reading: Acoma & Laguna Pottery, (click here to view details of book) by Rick Dillingham. (This Book is Available from Adobe Gallery)