Polychrome Carved & Polished Bowl [R]

In 1930 Regina Cata organized a pottery study group at what was then San Juan Pueblo with the intent of revitalizing pottery production. The group studied ancient potsherds of wares made at San Juan in earlier times and selected Potsuwi‘i Incised Ware (1450-1500) as a basis for a contemporary pottery type. By the 1950s, further development resulted in deep carved polychrome wares, which are still being produced today.

On this type, the rim zones and underbodies are highly polished red slip while the main body of the vessel remains matte. The design is carved and painted in the main body zone.

This bowl is an excellent example of the revival style of San Juan pottery. The potter chose rain and cloud designs as her motif for the band surrounding the vessel body.

The bowl is in excellent condition; however, there are some scratches in the polished red rim, but they are not significant.