Exquisite Zia Pueblo 19th Century Olla [SOLD]

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Potter Once Known
  • Category: Historic
  • Origin: Zia Pueblo, Tsi-ya
  • Medium: clay, pigment
  • Size: 8-1/2” tall x 10-1/8” diameter
  • Item # C3538A
  • SOLD

It has been determined that the design referred to as “reflected arcs” began to be used around 1880 and apparently ceased around 1900.  The reflected arcs are the pair of red bands near the neck and their reflection near the base of the jar.  On this jar, they converge at the black-outlined red diamonds.  There are four of these arc designs and four diamonds, each diamond enclosing a star pattern.  The only red in the design is in the reflected arcs and diamonds with stars.

 

The rim is black with unpolished red on the interior of the rim.  The design elements enclosed within the arcs are black.  The black referred to is actually dark brown.  All of the red elements are outlined in black.  A one-inch-wide matte red band was wiped on under the design area, a typical width seen in jars from the 1880s. 

 

Interestingly, the brown-painted designs enclosed within the cap designs, are also reflective in that each element has a mirror compliment. 

 

The Zia Pueblo jar sits squarely upright and was expertly formed in the traditional manner.  The design was laid on with absolute precision and the elements used to paint the designs were expertly applied in even thickness.  There is nothing lacking in this vessel.  It is amazingly visual.  This pottery jar is rich in design and has mellowed to a beautiful patina.

 

Condition: the jar had several cracks when delivered to us and it has now been professionally conserved.  Conservation of this jar was absolutely desirable to preserve a 19th century jar that is well above average from that period.  It is truly a work of art.

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Arizona

Recommended ReadingThe Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Harlow and Lanmon.

 

Potter Once Known
  • Category: Historic
  • Origin: Zia Pueblo, Tsi-ya
  • Medium: clay, pigment
  • Size: 8-1/2” tall x 10-1/8” diameter
  • Item # C3538A
  • SOLD

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