Historic Ohkay Owingeh Black-over-gray Jar c. 1900-1910 [SOLD]

This Black-over-gray jar from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, dating to around 1900-1910, is a remarkable example of utilitarian pottery shaped with artistic refinement. The vessel's rounded body tapers smoothly to a small base, while the neck emerges just above the shoulder and rises to a delicately scalloped rim. The form balances practical design with a clear attention to visual detail.

The upper three-quarters of the jar are covered in a highly polished black slip, creating a deep, lustrous surface that catches light beautifully. The lower portion remains unslipped, allowing the natural gray tone of the clay to emerge through the firing process. In some areas, the jar reveals soft copper undertones, giving the piece added depth and variation. Distinct fire clouds mark the base, further enhancing its visual character and connecting it to traditional open-pit firing methods.

The interior has been blackened with a micaceous clay slip, typical of jars intended for storage or daily use. In very good condition, this jar shows minor rim abrasions and gentle wear, offering evidence of its functional history. Compared to pre-1900 examples from Ohkay Owingeh, which often lacked high polish, this piece stands out for its sheen and finish. The combination of form, surface, and patina makes this an exceptional example of early 20th-century Pueblo pottery.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: This Historic Ohkay Owingeh Black-over-gray Jar c. 1900-1910 is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery.

Recommended Reading: Two Hundred Years of Historic Pueblo Pottery: The Gallegos Collection by Francis H. Harlow

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, San Juan Pueblo, Historic Pottery