Acoma Four Color Polychrome Large Parrot Jar [SOLD]

Barbara and Joe Cerno, Sr. are a husband and wife pottery-making team.  One of their hallmark designs is the combination of parrots and flowers.  In this large OLLA or jar, the design was executed in three repeated elements, each of a parrot clutching the twig of a flower.  The design was executed in four colors—orange, deep red, black and white. The designs are continuous from the underbody up to the rim without a break in continuity.

The traditional Acoma Pueblo vessel shape is widest at midpoint and curves inward and extends up to the rim.  As is traditional at Acoma, the design covers almost every square inch of the jar. There are budding flowers at the ends of stems and there are black split-leaf petals.  Each parrot’s crown is very elaborate with three feathers of different colors and a long flowing black one with a curl at the end.

What distinguishes this jar by the Cernos from others of theirs is the softer cream tone of the background color rather than the stark white usually used by them.  It provides a more mellow appearance and more closely mimics a historic Acoma jar.

The jar is magnificently beautiful.  There are enough design elements to make it appealing and not too much to be a distraction from the focus on the parrots. It reflects the finest work of this couple.

Condition: this Acoma Four Color Polychrome Large Parrot Jar is in very good condition

Provenance: from a New Mexico gentleman

Recommended Reading: Acoma & Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham