Cochiti Pueblo Historic Water Jar [SOLD]

This turn-of-the-century olla from Cochiti Pueblo immediately captures the eyes of the viewer.  It is stunningly beautiful in its simplicity of design and marvelous patina.  For a jar over 100 years of age, it is remarkably in wonderful condition.  The bulbous body and graceful neck feature two design patterns.  The body is decorated with cloud elements in an X pattern and the neck has black triangles in alternating positions.

The rag-wiped Cochiti slip has assumed a beautiful warm patina from decades of personal handling, yet the design pattern is still relatively complete with only minor abrasion to some of the black paint.  Double framing lines with ceremonial line breaks are just below the black rim which also has a ceremonial break.  Another pair of framing lines just below the shoulder and at the bottom of the body design partially display ceremonial line breaks.  A wide red band of wiped-on red clay encircles the body of the vessel underneath the body design.

Condition:  the concave bottom has a crack encircling it but it does not appear to be of significance.  It could be stabilized if the purchaser desired it to be done.

Provenance: from a Santa Fe resident

Recommended Reading: A River Apart: The Pottery of Cochiti & Santo Domingo Pueblos by Valerie Verzuh, et al