Small Polychrome Bowl with Paper Label [SOLD]

This is an exceptionally fine Acoma Pueblo Polychrome bowl, dating from around 1900 or earlier.  It was traditionally formed from native clay with ground pottery shard temper, coated with a rag-wiped white slip, painted black rim, and an orange/red underbody with a flat base, typical of Acoma pottery of that period. The design was painted in deep brown and dark orange/red pigments

The body of the bowl is somewhat globular terminating in a short vertical rim. Framing lines outline the panel of decoration.  The body design has a dark brown bird suspended from the top framing line (distinguished by the circle eye) surrounded by orange triangles on one side and brown triangles with parallel lines on the opposite side.  There are four of these elements and they are separated by split leaf floral designs.

The bowl has a rich and commanding presence.  The comprehensive design is captivating in its mixture of elements, and is well balanced and quite visual.  It is an exceptional small bowl. 

The bowl has a paper label that reads From Acoma Pueblo Indians, South of San Jose River, New Mexico.  It is believed that this label was one used by part-time Indian Trader Amos H. Gottschall of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  Gottschall left home at the age of sixteen to travel and discover his country.  He was so enchanted with the Natives of New Mexico that he wrote extensively about them in a book.  Also, he collected “a valuable collection of their handicraft” claiming to have collected pottery between 1897 and 1900.  - Batkin 2008  

It is believed that the paper label on this jar is the label used by Gottschall, which would indicate that this bowl predates 1900. - Lyn Fox, personal communication

Condition: very good condition

Reference: Batkin, Jonathan. The Native American Curio Trade in New Mexico, Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. 2008

Recommended Reading: Acoma & Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham

Provenance: from a collection of a gentleman from Colorado