Polychrome Jar with Handles [SOLD]

Despite the prominent notation of ZUNI on the red underbody band, this jar is from Tesuque. Somewhat unusual in shape for a pueblo vessel, with the two handles, nevertheless, this style was made after 1880 at most of the northern pueblos. Vessels of this shape were made for use in Spanish-American homes in Santa Fe in the 1880-1900 period.

Clay, temper, slip, and construction technique give this vessel all the criteria it needs to proclaim its origin as Tesuque. The flat bottom of unslipped tan stone-polished clay carries the characteristic bumpiness that is uniquely Tesuque.

Leaf-like elements surround the mid-body, being pendant from a framing line, and each contains a very characteristic wavy line within its borders. The neck design appears to be falling leaves. The handles are decorated in hatchured lines and chevron-like elements. A red rim and red line on the underbody qualify the jar as polychrome. A beautiful fire cloud appears on the lower part of the vessel.

There were a couple rim chips and a small chip near the underbody, all of which have been professionally restored. Pre-restoration photographs are available.