Historic Zia Pueblo Orange Slip Pottery Storage Jar with Rainbow and Bird [SOLD]

It appears that Zia Pueblo potters discovered a new slip around 1920 and began using it as the base slip over which the design would be painted.  The slip color is a strong orange-tan and is easily distinguishable from the previous cream slip with which most vessels were treated. It appears that the orange-tan slip continued in use concurrently with the use of the cream slip. 

It is not evident that the orange-tan slip was used before 1920, based on documented collections of pottery before that date.  None of the collections gathered at Zia before 1910 has an example of an orange-tan slip vessel. The fact that this jar has the wiped-on red band at the underbody confirms that it was probably made before the mid-1930s as that is when the use of the red band was abandoned.  That would, in essence, make it quite likely that this jar was made between 1925 and 1935.

The rainbow arch had its beginnings in the 1880s and evolved and developed over the next four decades.  The double rainbow arch, as seen in this jar seems to be prominent beginning around the 1920s and has continued to today.  Below the rainbow arch is a series of rain cloud symbols which might easily help identify the maker if only one documented example could be located.  Above the upper rainbow arch are black triangles enclosed by a black arch.

The Zia bird under the rainbow is typical of the style painted by many Zia potters, however, the pair of parallel black lines separating the body from the tail feathers could be identified to a singular potter, perhaps, but a documented similar one has not been located yet.

The black flying bird again is typical of the style painted by many Zia potters, however, the black triangles filled with vertical parallel black lines capped with a fleur de lis could be unique to a singular potter or a family of potters.

There seem to be many clues on this jar that would help in identifying the potter but a documented and authenticated example must be located some day that contains one or more of these unique design elements.  The orange-tan slip adds a softness to the appearance of the jar, making it a pleasing visual delight. The extra design elements associated with the double rainbow add a special appeal to the design. The jar is well above average in appearance.

Condition: this Historic Zia Pueblo Orange Slip Pottery Storage Jar with Rainbow and Bird is in very good condition

Provenance: from a family in New Mexico

Reference: Harlow, Francis H. and Dwight P. Lanmon. The Pottery of Zia Pueblo

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Pottery, Zia Pueblo, Historic Pottery, rainbow