Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery Jar with Handles by Lela and Luther Gutierrez [SOLD]

In this exquisite Santa Clara Pueblo pottery jar with a pair of handles, Lela Gutierrez showed her expertise in construction. Likewise, Luther Gutierrez exhibited his skill in painting. Luther acutely painted bugs, horses, lightning and rain on both front and back of this jar.

Lela Naranjo Gutierrez (1895-1966) and her son Luther Gutierrez (1911-1987) collaborated on pottery following the death of Lela’s husband, Van, in 1956. For the decade they worked together, Lela and Van were true innovators at Santa Clara Pueblo. They specialized in pictorial designs in a variety of hues and colors not normally associated with pueblo pottery. Luther continued in his father’s style.

The jar is co-signed Lela/Luther Sta. Clara Pue.  It dates to the period 1956-1966, the decade that Luther assisted his mom.  

Condition: this Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery Jar with Handles by Lela and Luther Gutierrez is in very good condition

Provenance: from a member of the Maisel family of Albuquerque.

Recommended Reading: Seven Families in Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham

Photo of the artists courtesy of Rick Dillingham, source Fourteen Families In Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham.

Relative Links: Santa Clara Pueblo, Luther and Margaret Gutierrez, Lela and Van Gutierrez, Margaret Gutierrez, Southwest Indian Pottery, Santa Clara Pueblo, Contemporary Pottery