Black and White on Red Hopi Pictorial Bowl [SOLD]

It is always difficult to make attributions to pottery because there is always the chance that there was another potter who produced similar work but is not currently known to us.  This pictorial bowl has been attributed to Annie Healing Nampeyo based on the shape of the bowl, which is similar to other bowls by her, the white outlining of design elements for which she was very well known, and the stippling of the design on interior and exterior, a trait of her mother, Nampeyo of Hano, and Annie as well.

A check of all published reference material currently available did not reveal a design similar to this one, which appears to be a mountain lion resting on a feathered object, however, similar designs with birds are in evidence.  This may or may not be a mountain lion or puma but they do exist on the Hopi Indian Reservation in abundance so there is the possibility of that intent by the artist.

Condition:  structurally in very good condition.  There is some wear and abrasion to the painted design on the interior and exterior, however, the interior design is very clear.

Recommended Reading:  Nampeyo and Her Pottery by Barbara Kramer.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery

Provenance: private collection