Trinidad Gachupin Medina Polychrome Olla with Zia Birds and Flowers [SOLD]

This historic polychrome pottery OLLA, or water jar, was made by Trinidad Gachupin Medina, one of the greatest Zia Pueblo potters. Of the dozen or so pieces that have passed through Adobe Gallery over the years, this is undoubtedly one of the strongest, and we are pleased to make it available on the market.

The vessel form is that which we expect of a historic Zia olla, but it's worth noting that this is a flawlessly executed example. It is perfectly balanced and symmetrical, with the most appealing type of subtle variation appearing at the rim and around the shoulders' curves.

The primary design element is a Zia bird, which appears five times on the olla's exterior. They are outlined in black and filled in with red; curved sections of cream slip peek through in between groups of three thick black lines. Each appears within a curved diagonal frame, which incorporates step elements and triangular forms. Floral elements appear around the frames, completing a wonderful composition. The rich red, bold black, and soft cream tones work together nicely, and the exterior is beautifully patinated from years of handling.

The black and white curved element on the bird's body has been identified as the work of Medina. In Harlow and Lanmon's book "The Pottery of Zia Pueblo", a bird with a like body design is pictured and identified as the work of Trinidad Medina. [p.16]

Trinidad Medina, Zia Pueblo is handwritten on the base. A label affixed to the base reads Zia Pueblo, 1932?

Pottery made by Trinidad Gachupin Medina (1883/1884-1969) SRA'EITI' is cherished by collectors of historic pottery. She was one of the greatest potters of that pueblo and was recognized as such during her lifetime. She was taken on cross-country tours to demonstrate her craft at several venues, and she won many prizes at Santa Fe Indian Market for her entries. Her sisters were Geronima Gachupin Medina and Reyes Gachupin Moquino/Pino; wife of José de la Cruz Medina; mother of San Junanito Medina; grandmother of Rafael Medina, José de La Cruz Medina, Anita Candelaria, Lena Medina, Carolina Medina, Ernest Medina, Patrick Medina, and Priscilla Medina.

"Trinidad Medina was a diminutive person, standing just over 4 feet tall according to grandchildren and others who knew her. Nonetheless, she made some of the largest storage jars ever produced at Zia. They are also considered to be some of the finest. She received prizes and widespread recognition for her work, in part because the trader Wick Miller took her on road tours around the United States between 1930 and 1946. She demonstrated pottery making at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago in 1933 and possibly also at the San Francisco Golden Gate International Exhibition in 1939, where at least one of her large storage jars was shown." (Harlow & Lanmon, 2003:285)

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Trinidad Gachupin Medina Polychrome Olla with Zia Birds and Flowers is from a private collection

Reference: Harlow, Francis H., and Dwight P. Lanmon. The Pottery of Zia Pueblo SAR Press, Santa Fe, 2003.

TAGS: Reyes Gachupin Moquino/Pino, Rafael Medina, José del La Cruz Medina, Zia Pueblo, Historic Pueblo Pottery, Sofia Medina, Elizabeth Medina, Marcellus Medina, Trinidad Gachupin Medina