Special Value Offer: Zia Pueblo Polychrome Jar with Birds and Rainbows [SOLD]

Special Value Offer: The owner has requested that we offer this jar at 15% less than the previous price of $2,950. The new price is $2,500.

Rainbow arcs began appearing on Zia pottery around 1880.  They are often presented in red outlined in black, and less often in ochre outlined in black.  This jar has simple rainbow arcs in red outlined in black, and attached to the rainbows are capped triangles partially filled with black.

Birds began to appear on Zia Pueblo jars as early as 1820 and continue to be used today.  They became more prominent beginning in the 1870s, usually associated with floral patterns and rainbow arcs, as they are here. There are two birds under rainbows and two without rainbow protection.  The birds have orange bodies with black feathers on their heads.  They have the typical round eyes.  The birds under the rainbows are accompanied by floral elements with split leaves.  The birds without rainbow protection have no floral elements.

Plant life designs on Zia pottery apparently appeared around 1860 in a simplified form. It was not until around 1885, that other forms of plant life were added. Berries, flowers, leaves and stems appeared sometimes in conjunction with birds.

The design extends over the shoulder and into the neck of the jar, without a framing line dividing the area.  This provided the artist more area in which to expand her design.  Doing so made for a much bolder and interesting finished jar.  The rim is black and continues downward with cloud designs encircling the jar.  There is a narrow red band wiped over the red of the base.  The jar dates to the first quarter of the 20^th century.

Condition:  very good condition

Provenance:  from the extensive collection of a Santa Fe resident who has unfortunately moved to another city and found it necessary to greatly reduce her collection.

Reference: The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Harlow and Lanmon