Large Polychrome Jar signed Lela/Van [SOLD]

Lela Naranjo Gutierrez (1895-1966) and her husband Van (c1870-1956) tested many ideas in pottery making, but only after developing a decorative scheme featuring earth colors on a matte background did they achieve enduring success. Bold curvilinear designs on neutral tan or beige became the base for a new Santa Clara style.

The polychrome wares created by Lela and Van continued to be produced by younger members of the Gutierrez family, notably their children Margaret and Luther, and Luther's daughter Pauline.  Following the death of his dad, Luther teamed with his mom and the two worked until Lela passed away, then Luther and his sister Margaret teamed until Luther passed away. Now Margaret works alone.

This jar by Lela and Van is an extraordinary cylindrical shape vessel with polished red rim and lower body.  The band between the red areas is where Lela and Van showed their mastery of color and design.

One design consists of magnificent clouds raining down on animals and birds. An accompanying design, separated from the first with diagonal lines, has a variety of elements—bear paws, arrow, bird heads with eyes, and miscellaneous colors, all from natural materials and none of commercial manufacture.  The colors of tangerine, purple, green, yellow, blue, black, burgundy and orange all were used.  Use of so many colors requires mastery to make a presentation of beauty.  If anyone could mix designs and colors effectively, it was Lela and Van Gutierrez.

Condition: very good condition with only minor scratches

Recommended Reading: Fourteen Families in Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Alexandria, Virginia