Zia Pueblo Polychrome Historic Pottery Jar ca. 1920s [SOLD]

This historic Zia Pueblo polychrome pottery jar, which dates to the 1920s, is unique and beautiful in many ways.  Its most immediately noticeable characteristic is its coloration.  A warm and earthy tone somewhere in between orange and brown serves as the background.  On top of this, a rich red and the typical matte black form the designs.  The colors complement each other wonderfully, creating an effect that is neither flashy nor bright, but is most definitely eye-catching. 

Its primary design element is a bird framed within a pattern of thick red lines.  This element repeats four times around the jar’s exterior.  With each repetition, subtle variations appear in the black auxiliary designs, forming kiva steps, rain clouds, and other traditional pueblo design elements.  Two of the birds’ beaks cross over into the neighboring design bands, in a unique and clever touch that seems to add depth to the design. Their black beaks are actually painted over the design bands, and it enhances the feeling that these birds are interacting with their surroundings.  That their feet are perched on the lower sections of the bands amplifies the effect.

The shape of the vessel is unique as well.  With its shallow, graceful curves and somewhat slender look, it would be accurate to describe the piece as a successful cross between a functional water jar and a decorative vase.  “Warmth” and “character” are the words that come to mind when we spend some time with this excellent jar.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Zia Pueblo Polychrome Historic Pottery Jar ca. 1920s is private Georgia collection

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Lanmon and Harlow

Relative Links: Zia Pueblo, historic period, Francis Harlow