Special Value Offer: Large Polychrome Jar from Zia Pueblo [SOLD]

Special Value Offer: The consignor has suggested we offer this jar at $1000 less than the previous posted price. It was $3850 and is now $2850.

Based on research by Lanmon and Harlow and published in their book on Zia Pueblo pottery, we are much more informed on design styles and dating of Zia pottery than ever before.

We now know that the orange/tan slip, as seen on this jar, first appeared in the 1900-1910 period. An even more significant discovery is that the loss of red banding on the underside of the vessel being replaced by a polished red slip occurred in the 1920-1930 period. Base on the most restrictive of these criteria, this jar then dates to the decade before the 1920s.

The three Zia birds on this jar are of the same style—each with simple tail feathers, a single wing feather, and a crown on the head. The intriguing aspect of the design is the rainbow arcs as they are bands rather than arcs.  The simplicity of the design is another indication of an early date for the jar.

The whole contrast between the warm orange/tan slip, the strong red design and the bold black elements would be expected to be in conflict; instead, they blend and meld to a beautiful rich design. The jar additionally has assumed a beautiful patina over the years.

Condition: it does not appear that there has been any use of the jar in the past and there is no indication of repairs or restoration.

Reference: The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Harlow and Lanmon

Provenance: from a gentleman from Scottsdale, Arizona