Special Value Offer: Laguna Four Color Pottery Pitcher [SOLD]

Special Value Offer: The consignor has authorized an almost 30% price reduction from $2450 to $1750.

Laguna Pueblo is a nearby neighbor of Acoma Pueblo in Western New Mexico.  Laguna was founded in 1699 by members of Acoma, Zuni and other pueblos following the upheavals and disruptions caused by the Pueblo Revolt.  Pottery from Laguna resembles that of Acoma and it is generally difficult to distinguish between the two.  Some designs, however, seemed to predominate at Laguna and those differed from designs used at Acoma.

When the transcontinental train came to New Mexico, it passed directly adjacent to Laguna Pueblo and there was a depot nearby.  The train made stops at the pueblo to allow the travelers to purchase wares from the potters.  The Laguna potters soon realized that the travelers preferred vessel shapes with which they were familiar.  Milk pitchers were very much in use in the Eastern towns and was probably a very saleable item to the tourists.  Many other Victorian shapes were equally popular.

This pitcher is modeled after a vessel of Victorian shape.  The holes near the rim are most unusual and perhaps are the potter’s idea of decoration. They serve no practical function but do add to the overall appearance of the pitcher.

The painted design is absolutely beautiful.  The dark red color was from a deep red clay that seems to not have been used after 1900.  The center of each of the floral elements is a deep rust color.  The round flowers are outlined with brown dots but the four-petal flowers are not.  Their inner color of orange is outlined in black dots.  The black dots are very typically Laguna by origin.  It is a feature that Laguna potters took to Isleta Pueblo during their large migration to Laguna.

This is an excellent example of a Laguna potter’s creativity.  The vessel shape is perfect for displaying the band of flowers.  The colors of the flowers are strong and rich.  The drilled holes are interesting and intriguing.  The handle is unique in shape and makes a strong presence. The pitcher dates to 1900 or slightly earlier.

Condition: there is a hole in the bottom and chips in the rim and at the spout.  There are minor abrasions to the surface.

Recommended Reading: Acoma & Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Albuquerque