This is a very traditional San Juan Pueblo Red-on-tan jar dating to the period before1900. The upper body of the vessel was slipped in red clay from the pueblo and then stone-polished to a high luster. It is a beautiful deep dark red of the color seen in pre-1900 vessels. The underbody is the natural, un-slipped, tan clay of the full vessel that was stone polished without the addition of slip.

It is an exquisite jar with a bulbous body, a tall graceful neck, and concave underbody, featuring rich, coal black fire clouds, which were intentionally placed.

According to Batkin^¹, pottery making at San Juan almost died out by 1900 except for an occasional piece made for household use or for sale or trade. There was a revival in the 1930s but it was of a different style. It is difficult to find pieces of this size from this time period.

There are a couple rim chips but not of major significance. Minor scratches or abrasions to the red slip are infrequent and not obtrusive. The jar is in very good condition and presents itself in a rich and enticing manner.

 ¹Reference and Recommended Reading: Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940 by Jonathan Batkin .