Historic Tsi-ya Nineteenth Century OLLA with Floral Designs, circa 1880s

Pottery can be identified and dated using various features, including paste, decoration, vessel form, rim color, pigments, and red banding on the underbody. However, experience is often the most valuable tool, as many experts rely on intuition and familiarity rather than strictly technical details.

Like other Pueblo potters, Zia artists adapted their work to appeal to non-Pueblo patrons, incorporating new elements into traditional designs. By the mid-1800s, these adaptations became more noticeable, with some potters experimenting to enhance the visual appeal of their vessels. One of the most successful innovations was the incorporation of floral designs, which resonated with collectors and buyers outside the Pueblo.

This jar, dating to the 1880s, is a striking example of that creative evolution. Its bold floral pattern departs from the rigid, traditional designs and instead embraces a more expressive, individualistic approach. The large black split-leaf motif immediately draws the eye, while the surrounding lighter red split-leaf elements float dynamically around it, creating a sense of movement and depth. True to Zia tradition, the pattern flows continuously from the base to the rim, without interruption or a distinct change at the neck — a characteristic maintained throughout this period and beyond.

The freedom to explore new designs must have been exhilarating for potters of the time, and collectors eagerly embraced these innovations. This jar, with its commanding presence and bold, expressive design, is a testament to that era of artistic exploration and adaptation.

Condition: good condition with one visible, minor slip crack (see below), no known repairs, confirmed under UV lighting.

Provenance: This Historic Tsi-ya Nineteenth Century OLLA with Floral Designs, circa 1880s is from a client of Adobe Gallery.

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Harlow and Lanmon

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Zia Pueblo, Historic Pottery