Historic Zia Pueblo Polychrome Jar with Floral Element Designs [SOLD]

This excellent Zia Pueblo historic jar features a subtle but unique floral design.  The matte red band wiped over the top edge of the red underbody confirms that the jar is pre 1930s.  From the overall look of the vessel, we would estimate that it dates to the early 1900s. Its shape—a typical water jar shape, but just an inch or so smaller than the norm—is superb.  Its shoulder slopes gently down to its midbody, which curves dramatically for just a bit before resuming its graceful slope on the underbody.

While its shape is notably beautiful, it is the designs and colors that set the jar apart from typical Zia Pueblo wares.  The jar features a series of four large flowers. Each flower has multiple stems and leaves emerging from a primary stem. Each primary stem curves up and to the right, ending with large red petals.  From these petals, lines of dots emerge, often making their way to the leaves of the neighboring plants. These lines represent pollen, making this jar’s design a representation of life being created.  These connections circle the entirety of the jar, linking each flower with its neighbor and creating a circle of new life.

The jar’s colors are exceptional.  The cream slip, black stems and the strong red petals are exactly what we expect of Zia jars of this period.  The cream slip has a strong, bright polish that enhances the effect of the designs painted upon it. A wonderful green pigment was used for the leaves.  Small fire clouds dot the jar’s red underbody. This incredibly beautiful Zia jar deserves the consideration of the collector who appreciates rare and unusual designs.

Condition: this Historic Zia Pueblo Polychrome Jar with Floral Element Designs is in excellent condition with no major abrasions

Provenance: from the estate of a former client

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

Relative Links: Zia Pueblo, historic period