Santo Domingo Jar Attributed to the Aguilar Sisters

This beautifully crafted Santo Domingo olla, attributed to the renowned Aguilar Sisters — Felipita Aguilar Garcia, Asuncion Aguilar Caté, and Mrs. Ramos Aguilar — exemplifies their early work from the 1890s-1910s, before their transition to bold black-on-red or overall black designs. The jar showcases their exceptional artistry and innovation in Kewa Pueblo pottery during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Elegantly proportioned, the vessel rises from a narrow base to a broad shoulder at the midpoint before tapering into a graceful neck with a rolled-out rim. Its symmetry and uniform wall thickness are remarkable, a testament to the sisters' mastery of the coil-building technique.

The painted decoration is particularly striking, demonstrating an extraordinary command of line work. Each brushstroke flows with a calligraphic quality, executed in a single, uninterrupted motion reminiscent of Asian calligraphy. The pigment, initially applied in delicate layers, required multiple strokes to build depth before achieving its rich black color in the firing process.

Condition: very good condition with minor surface abrasions on the body, wear on the red clay slip at the base, and one repaired rim chip.

Provenance: This Santo Domingo Jar Attributed to the Aguilar Sisters was originally purchased by Meline Patton Newell from Santa Fe in 1918 and is now being offered from a private collection.

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Santo Domingo Pueblo—a Detailed Study of the Decoration by Kenneth M. Chapman

TAGS: Asunción Aguilar Caté and Felipita Aguilar Garcia, Santo Domingo Pueblo, Pueblo Pottery, Felipita Aguilar Garcia, Asunción Aguilar Caté