Polychrome Bowl with Avanyu by Lela and Van Gutierrez [SOLD]

This bowl was made by Lela and Van Gutierrez of Santa Clara Pueblo. It is designed with the traditional Avanyu seen on many black or red pots from Santa Clara and San Ildefonso, but rendered in red, green, brown, peach, blue, and black. This expansive color palette is the most recognizable part of this family's signature style, and it is a treat to explore each example.

The Avanyu—a mythological creature who lives under the water and delivers water to the fields through the arroyos—circles the jar completely. A variety of forms and motifs appear within its slender frame. The Avanyu appears within a green design band; dark red covers the underside and rim. Those who collect Gutierrez family pottery should give this piece careful consideration.

The bottom of the pot is signed Lela/Van.

Santa Clara Pueblo potters 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 basis 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, as well as 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. Margaret then worked alone. She passed away in 2018, which left Pauline as the sole artist making similar pottery, if she is still working.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Polychrome Bowl with Avanyu by Lela and Van Gutierrez is from a private collection

Recommended Reading: Toulouse, Betty. Pueblo Pottery of the New Mexico Indians: Ever Constant, Ever Changing

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Luther and Margaret Gutierrez, Lela and Van Gutierrez, Margaret Gutierrez, Lela Naranjo Gutierrez and her son Luther Gutierrez, Lela and Van Gutierrez