Zia Pueblo Olla with Orange-Tan Slip [SOLD]

A significant change in Zia slip occurred in the early 20^th century. The potters introduced an orange-tan slip to the decorated areas of vessels. Previously, only a cream slip was used. The orange-tan slip resulted in a warmer glow than the lighter slip displayed. At the same time that some potters experimented with the new slip, they experimented with new designs or in arranging old designs in a different manner.

This jar is an excellent example of a successful marriage of the orange-tan slip and incorporating traditional Zia designs in a more exciting and modernist manner. Capped feather designs were traditional elements used as portions of an overall design of jars, but the use of stacked capped feather designs as the sole decoration on a jar was a new departure and a successful one based on the striking beauty of this jar.

The underbody red slip is stone polished and the base is concave. A wide red band of slip was wiped on under the design area—a trait that pins down the date of this jar as pre-1930. A combination of orange-tan slip and the application of the wiped-on red band establish a 1920 date for the jar.

Condition: The jar is in absolutely beautiful condition. It displays a beautiful series of fire clouds around the jar but they are light in color, not dark, so they do not detract from the beauty of the vessel.