Polychrome Bowl by Annie Healing Nampeyo, c.1910 [SOLD]

Special Offer: The consignor of this outstanding bowl by Annie Healing Nampeyo just contacted us and authorized a 25% price reduction from the original price of $3950 to a new price of $2950.

When one examines the design on the interior of this bowl, the first reaction is that it is a minimalist one executed perhaps in haste. That certainly is not the case. Annie Healing, eldest daughter of Nampeyo of Hano, painted the design when she was in her mid- to late 20s, an age when few potters have achieved the sure hand of a designer. One must consider that the artist was using a paint brush fashioned from the leaf of a yucca plant and the design was applied free-hand, a feat beyond the grasp of most 20-year olds.

Dr. Edwin L. Wade has attributed the bowl to the artistic talents of Annie Healing, both in making the bowl and applying the design. Following is his complete write-up, the original signed coy of which will accompany the sale of this piece. The bowl is in original excellent condition. There are no repairs or restoration. His letter follows:

A POLYCHROME BOWL BY ANNIE HEALING NAMPEYO, c.1910

Often we have heard the truism that “looks can be deceiving” and nowhere is this better illustrated than in this seemingly simple designed bowl created by Nampeyo's eldest daughter Annie.

Our western eye is accustomed to defining designs by their painted forms and using that visual criterion our first impression of this composition is one of minimalism. Elements such as the black triangles to the top of the bowl seem to float disjointedly upon an empty background. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth.

Unfocus your eyes a little and now look at the entire bowl. Let the painted areas outline larger negative motifs and then one can see the true compositional intent of the artist. Actually there is a sophisticated building up, stacking, of interconnected negative motifs upon one another. In the top center of the bowl a T-form is constructed from a black semi-circle above and red U below. To either side of this unit is a beautifully executed ball-headed volute with a vertical kick-up. This negative motif was favored by Nampeyo as well as by Annie. Below and defined by each of the volutes is a winged “W” like form.

Both in conception and execution this composition is refreshingly original and masterful. It provides a rare insight into the aesthetics and complexity of Hopi visual thinking.

Edwin L. Wade, Ph.D.