Zuni Polychrome Child’s Water Jar [R]

This fine vessel seems to date to the last quarter of the 19th century or early 20^th century. It is of the size that we have, in the past, referred to as a child’s water jar.

It is undeniably Zuni in form, design, materials and character, and is an intriguing and atypical example of late Zuni artistry. The paste is typically Zuni, gray in color with a chunky texture, the temper being ground pottery shards. The underbody and neck interior are black-slipped, with white stone-polished slip on the exterior body.

The design is suggestive of early historic Zuni pieces, particularly Ashiwi Polychrome (1700-1750) in the banded divination of the design plane. The overall image of the jar gives the impression of some antiquity. It has excellent patination and wonderful crazing to the white slip. The surface finish is consistent with earlier vessel construction techniques that exhibit a somewhat rough texture, not smooth as in later ones.

The condition of the vessel is excellent. The very slightest chip is evident on the rim but is of minor consequence.