Robert Tenorio Polychrome Jar with Interior Fish and Turtle Designs [SOLD]

This polychrome jar was made by Robert Tenorio of Santo Domingo Pueblo. This beautiful piece features elaborate designs on both its exterior and its interior. Its exterior features strong red and black designs, which reference those initially created in the early 1900s by the Aguilar sisters. Tenorio’s execution of an Aguilar-inspired design features three design bands which are nearly equal in size. The upper and lower bands use red semicircles, and the central band uses wide red rectangles. Bold black pigments surround these red shapes, with thin frames of cream slip peeking through in between.

The jar’s interior surface is an absolute delight. Four fish, every one of which is unique in design, circle the wall. The round bottom edge of the jar forms a black circular turtle shell, with the turtle’s fins, head, and tail peeking out and up the cream-colored interior wall. Within the center of the turtle shell, Tenorio carved a “healing hand” symbol. This ancient symbol represents healing, strength, and protection; its appearance in this lively aquatic scene is welcome. This is another fine example of Robert Tenorio’s work.

Tenorio signed his name on the underbody near the bottom of the jar, and “Kewa, N.M., 006” into the bottom of the jar. 

Robert Tenorio (1950- ) is a Santo Domingo Pueblo artist. 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: this Robert Tenorio Polychrome Jar with Interior Fish and Turtle Designs is in excellent condition

Provenance: private Santa Fe collection, purchased in 2007 from Chimayo Trading Del Norte in Taos 

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

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