Acoma Polychrome Large Parrot Jar [SOLD]

Barbara and Joe Cerno, Sr. are a husband and wife pottery-making team.  One of their hallmark designs is the combination of parrots and flowers.  In this large OLLA or jar, the design was executed in three repeated elements, each of a parrot clutching the twig of a flower.  The design was executed in four colors—orange, deep red, black and white. The designs are continuous from the underbody up to the rim without a break in continuity.

The traditional Acoma Pueblo vessel shape is widest at midpoint and curves inward and extends up to the rim.  As is traditional at Acoma, the design covers almost every square inch of the jar. There are budding flowers at the ends of stems and there are black split-leaf petals.  In addition to the three large parrots, there are three smaller birds clasping the stems of plants with their eyes focused on the attached berries. Over each parrot is a double rainbow, expressed in two colors.

The jar is magnificently beautiful.  There are enough design elements to make it appealing and not too much to be a distraction from the focus on the parrots. It reflects the finest work of this couple.

Condition: this Acoma Polychrome Large Parrot Jar is in new condition

Provenance: from a gentleman in New Mexico

Recommended Reading: Acoma & Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham