Hopi Polychrome Small Storage Jar [SOLD]

This wonderful Hopi polychrome small storage jar was probably made in the first half of the 20th century and could have been made by a member of the Nampeyo family, although not by Nampeyo.  At that time, Nampeyo had failing eyesight and would not have been able to apply the decoration, even if she had made the jar.  One of her daughters or some other Nampeyo family member certainly could have made it but we cannot be more definitive than that. 

There are three storage jars of similar vessel shape in the book "The Legacy of a Master Potter: Nampeyo and Her Descendants" and that is our source for attributing the maker as a member of the Nampeyo family although the individual must remain unidentified.

The jar is magnificent, both in size, construction, and design.  The jar has been divided into four design panels, each outlined by three vertical black lines.  Within each panel, there are additional divisions into quarters.  Each quarter features a variety of designs, mostly geometrics.  There is a wide framing line near the base of the jar and another one at the neck, neither of which has a ceremonial line break.   Stippling, used by many members of the Nampeyo family, appears in each design panel. 

The base of the jar is somewhat rounded, as is typical of jars that were made for actual use as they would be snuggled into a dirt floor.  Jars made for sale to collectors or tourists normally have a flat base.  The rim of the jar has an exaggerated flair outward similar to jars at Zuni Pueblo made for use as drums.  Overall, the jar has a beautiful warm glow to the yellow/orange slip.

Condition: the jar is in excellent condition

Provenance: from the collection of Dr. Allan Cooke, co-author of the book Canvas of Clay: Seven Centuries of Hopi Ceramic Art. 

Recommended Reading:  Canvas of Clay: Seven Centuries of Hopi Ceramic Art by Edwin L. Wade and Allan R. Cooke