Hopi-Tewa Polychrome Tall Pottery Jar [SOLD]

This Hopi-Tewa pottery jar appears to be from the early- to mid-twentieth century based on the wear pattern on the underside.  There is no indication of the potter’s name, another indication of an earlier date.

Many jars of this size and shape were purchased in the mid-twentieth century for conversion to table lamps, but there is no indication that this was a consideration with this one.  It was purchased for the sheer pleasure of looking at it.  

The jar has a graceful shape with the bulbous lower body and the long curving neck.  The potter’s choice of decorating the lower part and leaving the neck without designs was a wise one, as that emphases the height.

The body designs are traditional Hopi-Tewa ones, based on the prehistoric Sikyatki designs unearthed in the nineteenth century.  Wide framing lines enclose the body designs.

Condition: structurally in very good condition, with a small rim chip glued back into place

Provenance: this Hopi-Tewa Polychrome Tall Pottery Jar is from the extensive collection of a client from Oklahoma

Recommended Reading: HOPI AND HOPI-TEWA POTTERY - Published in Plateau, volume 49

Relative Links: Hopi Pueblo, Southwest Indian Pottery, Contemporary Pottery