Zia Pueblo Polychrome Storage Jar, circa 1900 [SOLD]

This is a truly outstanding polychrome storage jar. This fantastic jar dates to the first decade of the twentieth century (circa 1900-1910), as evidenced by the overall form: the high shoulder, typical of pieces created post 1900, the stone polished underbody of the vessel, as well as the traditional red banding at the top of the underbody, which fell into disuse circa 1930.

The design system employed in this jar is commonly associated with the use of the Zia bird, which some have suggested is a roadrunner, but which Zia potters refer to only as the Zia bird. Each of the three birds framing the jar is placed under a double rainbow. Lacking in the design here is the usual floral elements associated with designs using Zia birds. This allowed the potter additional space for larger birds.

The vessel is structurally sound. There was some missing clay on the underbody, most probably due to accumulated moisture at the base, but that has been stabilized.

Provenance: From the estate of Transcendental artist Florence Pierce of Albuquerque who passed away in 2007 at the age of 89.