Historic Tesuque Pueblo Pitcher with Bird Design [SOLD]

Tesuque Pueblo potters of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were responsible for the creation of countless pieces in a specifically lively, inventive style. These pieces, which were mostly made for sale to tourists in Santa Fe, often assume unconventional forms and display spirited designs. Many were made at the request of early Santa Fe traders, but the level of personal expression seen in these pieces remains exceptional regardless of origin.

This pottery pitcher is an excellent example of the work produced at Tesuque during this period. It is a small piece, which would have been made for easy transport, and its form and designs will appeal to many. The shape of the vessel is exceptional, which suggests the hand of a skilled potter who was experienced with larger, more ambitious forms.

The energetic designs are made of the typical bold black pigment over a cream slip. Pairs of black framing lines appear at the top and bottom. Just below the pitcher's spout, a wide-eyed bird appears, perched atop a semicircle of inverted rain clouds. We have seen a variety of figures painted on Tesuque pots of this era. Remarkably, they never feel repetitive, despite often being simple in composition. Rather, each figure is unique and full of character, as evidenced by this wonderful bird and the vessel on which it appears.

Condition: excellent condition, light wear from handling

Provenance: this Historic Tesuque Pueblo Pitcher with Bird Design is from a private Colorado collection

Recommended Reading:

- Batkin, Jonathan. The Native American Curio Trade in New Mexico, 2008.

- Batkin, Jonathan. Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940, 1987.

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Historic Pottery, Tesuque Pueblo