Robert Tenorio Hummingbird Jar with Peach-Beige Slip [SOLD]

Having established himself as one of the most well known potters of the present day, Robert Tenorio consistently bridges the gap between traditional and innovative. This jar is no exception, and includes time-honored Santo Domingo design elements in its form, but also takes a few risks in its art and coloration.

The slip on this jar is a highly appealing peach-beige, which differs somewhat from a typically seen tan slip. Over this slip are some beautiful images designed by Tenorio, which include hummingbirds, flowers, butterflies, dragonflies, and other elements of nature. These are painted with highly aesthetic shades of orange and black. The base of the jar is orange colored as well, done in a very conventional and familiar style. Above the base are two black lines, both which include a classic "ceremonial line break". This customary inclusion is seen on the two black lines around the rim of the jar as well.

Included on the inside of the jar is another slip, this one of a deeper orange color with mica. This isn't always a feature seen on pueblo pottery so it is something to be noted. It is also interesting that micaceous clay is not native to Tenorio's Kewa Pueblo. Also found on the inside is a hand impression on the base of the jar, an addition which Tenorio often puts into his work.

On the bottom of the outside Tenorio included a signature Robert Tenorio, KEWA, NM.

Robert Tenorio (1950- ) is an artist from KEWA, or Santo Domingo Pueblo. Tenorio began his artistic career as a jeweler before moving into pottery making. At first, he created stoneware, and then he transitioned to traditional methods and materials. Tenorio has evolved into one of the most significant Pueblo potters of today, creating works that have an attractively modern look while being made with ancestral designs and natural materials. He has exhibited widely and received many notable awards and accolades for his work.

Condition: new condition

Provenance: this Robert Tenorio Hummingbird Jar with Peach-Beige Slip is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: A RIVER APART, The Pottery of Cochiti & Santo Domingo Pueblos, by Valerie Verzuh

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Kewa - Santo Domingo Pueblo, Contemporary Pottery, Robert Tenorio, Kewa Pueblo Potter