Hopi Small Polychrome Seed Jar by Nampeyo of Hano [SOLD]

Nampeyo was handpicked by Hopi trader Thomas Keam to make pottery in the style of the prehistoric Sikyatki potters.  He chose her because she was, to him, the best potter at Hopi.  She never disappointed him by producing anything less than wonderful.  She did not copy Sikyatki potter’s work but used it as inspiration for her own designs.

This small polychrome seed jar is so typical of Nampeyo’s fine craftsmanship.  It replicates the Sikyatki vessel shape with a wide midsection and a graceful slope upward to the rim.  An unusual departure from what one normally sees on jars of this style is her use of only three red triangles rather than four.  It is Nampeyo exercising her creativity.

Separated by the three red triangles are three designs of the same style which are representations of Sikyatki stylized bird forms with outstretched wings and tail feathers.  This is quite probably an early 20^th century creation by Nampeyo as the painting is precise and well executed.  This certainly was done between 1900 and 1920 before her eyesight began to deteriorate. 

Small seed jars like this one are truly little jewels of Hopi pottery by the most famous and best potter of the late 1800s and early 1900s. 

Condition: excellent condition.  There is one spot of white house paint which we can have removed but have not done so since the jar is not our property.  We will be happy to do so after it has been purchased.

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Texas

Recommended Reading: Canvas of Clay—Seven Centuries of Hopi Ceramic Art by Wade and Cooke