Ba Tse Black-on-Red San Ildefonso OLLA [SOLD]

This Black-on-red OLLA, or water jar was most likely made by Tonita Peña, or Ba Tse, of San Ildefonso Pueblo. We base our attribution on the age of the piece and its similarity to pieces that have previously been attributed to Tonita Peña—most notably, a similar jar from the Marshall and Lucille Miller collection, which was attributed to Peña and sold at a prominent auction in the 1980s. At the time, many believed that the painter Tonita Peña Quah Ah was also a potter, but a later publication clarified that a different Tonita Peña Ba Tse was responsible for the pottery pieces previously attributed to the painter.

This OLLA dates to around 1900, which aligns with what is known about Peña's life and career. It is an exceptional example of the Black-on-red style, with strong coloration and beautiful painted designs. The rich red and bold black tones complement each other perfectly. The designs flow beautifully and naturally around the OLLA's exterior, conveying the artist's confidence and enjoyment of her process to the viewer.

The vessel takes a traditional form that emerges often from San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, and other pueblos. It has a wide shoulder, small base, curved neck, and flared rim. This example feels particularly strong and expressive, which means that it is similar in spirit to the designs and color palette. This OLLA stands as a perfect example of what many find so impressive about pueblo potters: their ability to create such powerful visual impressions using natural materials and simple tools.

San Ildefonso Pueblo potter Tonita Peña Ba Tse (ca. 1847- ca. 1905) Yellow Deer should not be confused with painter Tonita Peña Quah Ah or potter Toña Peña Vigil.  In the Autumn 1991 Issue of American Indian Art Magazine, Jonathan Batkin used census records and personal correspondence to explore Peña's family history, ultimately concluding that she was an ancestor of Maria Martinez and other notable San Ildefonso artists. According to Batkin, "Tonita Peña's pots are among the most beautiful made at San Ildefonso at the turn of the century, and like Martina Vigil, Tonita Peña was among the last potters capable of making large storage jars." Peña was not included in the 1910 census, so we presume that she passed away sometime during the first decade of the twentieth century.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Ba Tse Black-on-Red San Ildefonso OLLA is from a private collection

Reference: “Three Great Potters of San Ildefonso and Their Legacy,” Jonathan Batkin, American Indian Art Magazine Autumn 1981.

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Historic Pottery, Jonathan Batkin, Tonita Vigil Peña - Quah Ah, Toña Peña Vigil, Tonita Peña Ba Tse