Zia Pueblo Polychrome 19th Century Olla with Floral Design [SOLD]

This is a superb historic polychrome Zia Pueblo jar created most probably between 1890 and 1900. This fine vessel is coil-formed in native clay with the addition of traditional Zia paste temper, crushed basaltic lava. The concave base and underbody are stone-polished bare paste with a red band at the top of the underbody, with the neck interior red slipped with a black rim.

The design field is divided into two quadrants—one above the shoulder and one below. The upper quadrant, or neck design, consists of a series of black split feather elements, red feathers with embellished tips, and double arc figures.

The main body design features elaborate floral elements with split leaves, pine needle type leaves and berries. These elements are divided by double oblique arc designs.

The pottery jar is in excellent condition with only wear expected of a jar of this age. There has been no repair or restoration.