Hopi Polychrome Open Bowl with Interior Design [SOLD]

This exquisite small bowl is attributed to Nampeyo of Hano based on construction techniques, layout of design, and execution of design.  One of the first items of consideration is the extra coil of clay Nampeyo placed at the interior rim of bowls, which is easily determined by rubbing one’s hand along the rim interior.  Such a coil is evident in this bowl.   The bottom is rounded, not flattened, and shows evidence of long polishing strokes as was typical of Nampeyo.  The layout of the design is very typical of her style.

The design element, typical of Nampeyo, features a large central motif that is a predecessor to the later Eagle Tail design. The two feathers suspended at the base of the design morphed into several feathers later in her career.  The rectangular box at the top with a line crossed by bars is very typical of the design on the forehead of several katsinas.  This is quite possibly Nampeyo’s interpretation of a katsina image.  The two large floating elements to the sides of the main design would likely represent feathers.  The four sets of brown circles on the rim also were used by Nampeyo.

It is not farfetched to attribute this wonderful Hopi Polychrome Open Bowl with Interior Design to the hands of the master potter Nampeyo of Hano.  It is probably circa 1900-1920.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Albuquerque

Recommended Reading: Canvas of Clay: Seven Centuries of Hopi Ceramic Art by Edwin L. Wade and Allan Cooke