Adobe Gallery Blog
Historic San Ildefonso Pueblo Polychrome Jar with Red Rim - SC3680E
According to information published by the noted expert on historic Pueblo pottery, Frank Harlow, pottery production declined considerably at San Ildefonso Pueblo until, by 1830, its output was limited to large storage jars and a few smaller jars. Families at San Ildefonso traded food and other items to Nambe Pueblo potters in exchange for pottery needed for their use. This continued until around 1880, at which time pottery production at San Ildefonso underwent a revitalization sparked by the arrival of tourists on the newly instituted the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway cross-country train. The new pottery being produced was designated as San Ildefonso Polychrome with a beginning date of 1880 and an end date that is yet to be determined.