Hopi-Tewa Miniature Seed Jar with Raised Corn Design by Iris Nampeyo [SOLD]

This miniature seed jar by Hopi Pueblo artist Iris Youvella Nampeyo measures only 1-⅝” x 1-⅝” and mirrors her larger pottery jars with an ear of corn in raised relief on the shoulder of the jar.  Iris has mostly stayed with designing simple corn stalks or ears of corn on otherwise undecorated pottery.  There is no pigment or paint on her works. It is the simplicity of her work that makes it so elegant. She does not apply a slip to the surface but simply polishes the natural clay from which the jar was made.  The corn is generally left in a matte state as in this seed jar. The jar is signed Iris Nampeyo and with an ear of corn, designation of her Corn Clan heritage.

Iris Youvella Nampeyo (1944 – 2018) is known for her sculptural design pottery that she has mastered to the finest detail.  This style of sculpture was first made by Elizabeth White (Polingaysi) and further refined by her nephew Al Colton (Qöyawayma).  Colton has evolved from the simple corn design to carving cliff dwellings on his pottery.  Iris has chosen to stay with applying a corn design in bas-relief.  She was, of course, Corn Clan.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Hopi-Tewa Miniature Seed Jar with Raised Corn Design by Iris Nampeyo is from the estate of Betty and Marvin Rubin of Albuquerque

Recommended Reading: Fourteen Families in Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham

Relative Links: Hopi Pueblo, Fannie Nampeyo, Nampeyo of Hano, Elizabeth White (Polingaysi), Al Colton (Qöyawayma), Iris Youvella Nampeyo, Hopi Pueblo Potter