Southwest Indian Pottery Acoma Pueblo, Haak’u Modern

Acoma Pueblo Miniature Black-on-white Jar by Wanda Aragon [SOLD]

Category: Modern
Origin: Acoma Pueblo, Haak’u
Medium: clay, pigment
Size: 2-⅜” height x 2” diameter
Item # C4946.57

SOLD

This miniature handmade jar by Wanda Aragon (b. 1948) is a truly astounding work that makes one marvel at its execution. The precision and detail of the painted design are remarkable, especially considering the scale of the vessel.

Micro-Scale Design

The body of the jar is entirely covered in small squares filled with black and white triangles. A striking visual effect is achieved as the size of these squares expands slightly with each row, moving from the top toward the base.

The neck design adds another layer of complexity, consisting of three dense rows: a black-on-white top row, a white-on-black middle row, and a black-on-white lower row. Each of the three rows is filled to capacity with intricate geometric designs.

The Potter's Genius

While Aragon often recreates classic designs from 19th-century Acoma potters, this complex, mathematically precise pattern appears to be one of her own ingenious creations. It is remarkable that she could achieve this thinness and perfectly balanced form on such a small scale. Wanda Aragon, an exceptional and highly awarded potter, deserves all the praise we can bestow.