Historic Santa Clara Redware Jar with Bear Paw Designs [SOLD]

Known as a symbol of strength and healing, the bear paw is revered throughout Santa Clara Pueblo as a powerful design motif in their pottery. Legend also says that a "bear will always lead to water", so it is additionally thought of as a sign of water, indicating the hope that the jar would always be filled with water. This beautifully polished redware jar from Santa Clara contains four bear paws, each placed carefully around the wide diameter of the jar. The bear paws are impressed in traditional format, with three spots above the lower, curved part of the paw.

Slightly thicker than a usual Santa Clara jar, this treasure dates back to around the late 1800's or early 1900's. The jar is shaped beautifully, with an appealing curve and a smooth stone polished exterior all around. The base of the jar opens upward to broad shoulders, which then narrows toward the rim of the jar.

While the shape and design elements are quite impressive, the coloration may perhaps be the most profound attribute on this jar. It was fully covered with an incredible deep red clay, almost like a warm sienna tone. Spread around the jar are gorgeous smoky black fireclouds. These add an additional character when contrasted against the preeminent brilliant reddish-orange theme. The jar's red color results from oxidation during the outdoor firing process. While Santa Clara is known for masterful hues on their pottery, this jar stands out as a particularly phenomenal work.

It should be noted that there has unfortunately been some repair on this jar, although it doesn't take much at all away from the beauty of it. Without an
awareness of this restoration, one would be hard pressed to find any flaws or marks on it. Rare and historic, this exceptional work of art is a commemoration of a bygone era, one in which its pottery is becoming increasingly harder to come by. Despite some minor cosmetic work, it will make for an excellent addition to any Santa Clara collection.

Condition: A chip at the rim has been glued back into place and painted over. Cracks appear around the base, with some visible in the interior too. Stabilization and overpaint appears over the cracks on the exterior.

Provenance: this Historic Santa Clara Redware Jar with Bear Paw Designs is from a private collection

Recommended Reading: Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940 by Jonathan Batkin

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Pueblo Pottery, utilitarian vessels