Special Offer: San Ildefonso Black-on-red Large Olla [R]

Special Offer: The owner has authorized us to reduce the price by 25% from the current price of $10,950 to a new price of $8212.50.

The shape of this olla is that of the traditional Tewa shape that existed in the 19^thcentury. San Ildefonso pottery retained its traditional Tewa shape in the late 19^thand early 20^th centuries more so than the other Tewa pueblos, due primarily to its more isolated location than the others, according to Jonathan Batkin. There were so few potters at the pueblo at that time that tradition remained strong.

Also according to Batkin, who conducted a thorough survey of turn-of-the-century census records, there were only 8 potters at San Ildefonso pueblo listed as such by the census taker. All of them are known to have produced San Ildefonso Black-on-red pottery style.

The eight potters were probably Martina Vigil, Maria Martinez, Maximiliana Montoya, Nicolasa Peña, Marianita Roybal, Tonita Peña, Susana Aguilar and Dominguita Pino.

This jar was most likely made by one of the eight women, sometime around 1890-1910, but it would take extensive research to attribute it to a specific potter and painter.

Condition: UV examination of the jar does not reveal any repairs, restoration or over-paint.  The jar is in overall excellent condition with the exception of some abrasion which is visible in the photograph.