Historic Tesuque Pueblo Black-on-Cream Jar with Plants and Birds [SOLD]

This historic black-on-cream pottery jar was most likely made by a Tesuque Pueblo potter during the first decade of the twentieth century. It could also be from Cochiti Pueblo, which someone wrote on the bottom in pencil at some point along with the number 50, but we feel that the designs look more like those that were created by Tesuque artists.

Those designs, it should be noted, are wonderful. Two birds appear, with intricately patterned wings and wide eyes. The tail feathers of one of the birds burst outward into a series of thin, jagged lines. Massive flowers stretch across the areas in between the birds, with small leaves leading the way to pairs of large bulbs at their ends. Up above, a rainstorm circles the rim, providing water to the many participants in the lively scene down below. Black lines appear below, on, and inside the rim, and a second band of rain clouds adorns the interior.

The historic pottery vessel's unusual shape is also notable. It's short and wide, with rounded sides and a vertical rim. The walls are somewhat thick, particularly in the base. The vessel feels substantial and has a strong presence, and the spirited design work enhances those effects.

Condition: very good condition with no cracks or chips. Minor slip abrasions have been painted over

Provenance: this Historic Tesuque Pueblo Black-on-Cream Jar with Plants and Birds is from a private Colorado collection

Recommended Reading: Historic Pottery of the Pueblo Indians, 1600-1880 by Larry Frank and Francis Harlow.

TAGS: Historic Pottery, Tesuque Pueblo, Cochiti Pueblo