Cody, Wyoming Collection Zia Polychrome Olla [SOLD]

This is a superb polychrome jar created most probably between 1890 and 1900. The design field is not divided into quadrants, but is one continuous field from rim to lower framing lines—quite unusual for Zia. The predominant design element is reminiscent of the Santa Ana “Eiffel Tower” stepped element. There was a time in the 1700s when Zia and Santa Ana designs were more attuned, but it is not often seen as late as 1900.

The lightness and frivolity of the remaining design throughout the entire jar lends an air of casualness and playfulness. The artist apparently enjoyed creating this piece. It’s refreshing always to see an artist depart from the mundane sameness of tradition, and strike out on something new and refreshing.

This fine vessel is coil-formed in native clay with the addition of traditional Zia paste temper, crushed basaltic lava. The concave base and underbody are stone-polished bare paste with a red band at the top of the underbody, with the neck interior red slipped and with a black rim.

The vessel is in excellent condition. Of course, there is some wear and abrasion to the exterior.