Cody, Wyoming Collection Zuni 19th Century Jar [SOLD]

This is a wonderfully old jar from Zuni Pueblo, dating to around 1870-1875. In its primitive decoration, it is somehow more appealing than a jar that is more refined. The heartline deer with their white rumps have so much character.

The large dip at the shoulder where the neck starts upward provides an imposing attitude on this jar. There are four deer around the main body. What is lacking is the rosette often associated with jars of this period. It's refreshing to see a potter exert her individuality in executing the design.

The brown rim, brown framing lines with ceremonial breaks, and red underbody all follow tradition. It is believed the red underbody began disappearing around the mid-1860s, being replaced by a dark brown underbody that has persisted to today. Red underbody vessels are rarely seen on the market today.

There has been some repair at the neck.