Polychrome Zuni Canteen with Piggyback Canteen [SOLD]

We have had Zuni Pueblo canteens in the gallery in the past but never have we had one of such magnificent design. This excellent canteen is typical of the late nineteenth century.

Generally, Zuni ceramics of this period are chunky in texture with surfaces that appear more porous than smooth. This canteen, however, has a wonderfully smooth surface without any elements of chunkiness. The potter worked the clay to obtain the finest texture in the finished product.

The design executions at this late 19th century period are generally less crisp, light, and precise than those of twenty years earlier. In this instance, the execution of painted patterns is equal to those of the earlier period. The elements are heavier, with a visual emphasis on the animal and bird aspects of the design, and less focus on the fine-line contouring and subtleties of earlier works. Graphic and bold are two terms most suited to this late design-period. The heavy outline of this canteen is executed in black over stone-polish white slip, with only minimal use of red.

The designs on many canteens feature a large rosette on the dome of the vessel and that is usually the focus point, but the builder of this one chose a simple but clever focal point of attaching a miniature canteen at the apex of the body of the large canteen. According to Harlow and Lanmon, there are no known examples of this style made after 1885.

On either side of the top of the canteen is a pair of heartline deer and two traditional Zuni black birds. The simplicity of the overall design is the crowning glory of the effort of the potter. The lack of fine lines and medallions is refreshing to see, as they are generally used in excess.

The bottom of the canteen is painted a traditional brown color. The white slip on the topside has taken on a deep patina that attests to its age of over 100 years. The condition of the vessel is excellent. There is no apparent repair or restoration to any portion of the vessel or painted designs. It was examined under UV light.