Polychrome Medium Size Serving Bowl [SOLD]

This is an extraordinary fine Santo Domingo serving bowl that follows the pueblo's traditions in every aspect of materials, construction and design. The main body is decorated in black vegetal paint over the traditional cream-colored rag-wiped bentonite slip.

The design consists of a dark black undulating sinusoidal band encircling the bowl between the upper and lower framing lines.

Both the upper and lower pairs of framing lines are penetrated by a traditional ceremonial break that goes through the entire design element. Then, something most unusual occurs. A red line fills the void created by the ceremonial break. I have never before seen this in similar bowls.

The black rim also has a ceremonial break. The interior of the bowl is slipped in the cream bentonite slip and the underside of the exterior is slipped in red clay.

The bowl probably dates to the first quarter of the 20^th century and is in very good condition. There are no rim chips or cracks evident.

To see the red line in the ceremonial break, click on the second detail image.