Anita Suazo Beautifully Polished Black Melon Jar [SOLD]

This is a very traditional black pottery melon jar from Santa Clara Pueblo, created by Anita Suazo. Works in the melon style are coil-formed in a large diameter and allowed to dry to a leather-hard state, whereupon they are carved with the distinctive ribs. After carving, the work is slipped in iron-bearing slip, intricately stone-polished on all exterior surfaces, including the tiny spaces between the ribs. The pieces are then fired in a smothered, reduction atmosphere to achieve the superb black finish.

This particular jar contains a wide body, which protrudes outward from the rather slim base. It then moves up into a curved neck, which is smooth and not ribbed, unlike the rest of the piece. The black coloring on this one is especially impressive. It has a glossy look and is soothing to the eyes.

The bottom of the jar is signed Anita L. Suazo, Santa Clara Pueblo and includes her hallmark.

Santa Clara Pueblo artist Anita Suazo is a master potter and has excelled in multi-colored designs over a polished red surface. She is the daughter of Belen Tapia who was her teacher. Anita has practiced the art of making traditional pueblo pottery since she began. She uses native Santa Clara clay and follows all traditional coiling and firing techniques.

Anita has taught traditional potting techniques at the University of New Mexico and the University of California at Davis.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Anita Suazo Beautifully Polished Black Melon Jar is from a private collection

Recommended Reading: Talking with the Clay: The Art of Pueblo Pottery by Stephen Trimble

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Belen Tapia, Southwest Indian Pottery, Anita Suazo