Laguna Pueblo Four-color Polychrome Jar [SOLD]

We have been told that there is no word for "art" in the native languages of New Mexico and that what we perceive as art is part of the daily life and experience in a native household.    Everything in their world has a connection to their religion and to their daily lives without there being a separation between the two.  Beautification of a jar such as this one is accomplished in appreciation to Mother Earth for yielding up the clay and paint sources for the potter to use in making a vessel.  Native potters, in their daily lives, produce objects of beauty that we, as collectors, consider to be art.  We are fortunate to live in a state where there are so many talented potters whom we call artists.

This jar, which we believe was made at Laguna Pueblo at or just before 1880, is a marvelous example of a jar that is truly an art object.  The boldness of the design with the split leaves is typical of pottery from Laguna prior to 1900.  There is a distinct puki ridge below the white slip of the jar.  The six-petal flower is beautifully painted with the deep red slip that has not been used since around 1900 because the source for it is long lost.  The propeller element in the center of another floral design is quite typical of Laguna wares.

The jar is not too large but is very powerful in presentation.  The boldness of the design overcomes the smaller jar size, a feat of which the potter was probably well aware.  This is a jar that requires and demands attention.  One cannot pass it by without stopping for a look.

Condition:  The jar is in excellent condition following professional repair of a very insignificant rim chip.

Provenance: from a gentleman in Colorado

Recommended Reading: Acoma and Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham