Contemporary Large Serving Bowl from Zia Pueblo [SOLD]

This is a beautifully executed Contemporary Large Serving Bowl from Zia Pueblo, created most likely in the mid-20th century.  This excellent medium-size bowl was coil-formed of native clay with the addition of crushed basaltic temper. The underbody bare paste was stone-polished to a warm brick red color. The design field was covered in soft orange slip over which was painted the design of floral elements. The rim of the bowl curves inward just so slightly and displays a very slight concave slope.

This is a work of art as are most Southwest Indian Pottery vessels. It is very rewarding to see a potter exert such love and care in making and decorating such a piece with all the care she would use in making a major dough bowl. The design elements are faithful to the traditionally conservative Zia design system, which itself is relatively unchanged by the influence of Western ideas. The dark brown elements of the design, devoid of any outlining in red or use of red in that area, poses a very strong image. The only red used in the design was for the four-petal flowers.

The interior of the bowl is covered in a beautiful deep brick red color.

Condition: The bowl is in very good condition for a bowl of its age.

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Harlow and Lanmon

Provenance: from the extensive collection of a Santa Fe resident who has unfortunately moved to another city and found it necessary to greatly reduce her collection.