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Very Large Polished Red Carved Storage Jar by Teresita Naranjo - C3911B
Teresita Tafoya Naranjo (1919-1999) Apple Blossom - Bay-Po-Vi was the daughter of Christina Naranjo and granddaughter of Sara Fina Tafoya. She has been acknowledged as one of the finest 20th-century potters at Santa Clara Pueblo. There have been, and still are, many potters at Santa Clara Pueblo, so to be recognized as one of the finest is not an insignificant compliment. Her unexpected death in 1999 was a loss to pottery collectors.
This very large storage jar is one of her early masterpieces. The upper half of the jar features a carved Avanyu design and the lower half is stone-polished red slip. Teresita was a master potter who always produced magnificent vessels. This jar qualifies as one of her magnificent ones. The burnish is smooth and consistent and the carving was beautifully accomplished to a consistent depth. This is a beautiful jar that makes a visual impression.