Historic Tesuque Pueblo Pottery Pitcher [SOLD]

Recently, we've acquired a number of beautiful pieces that were created during the late 1800s and early 1900s at Tesuque Pueblo. During this time period, Santa Fe traders such as Jake and Aaron Gold worked with pueblo potters to keep their shelves stocked with interesting and attractive items. Tesuque Pueblo artists were nearby and open to collaborating with the enterprising traders; these relationships resulted in the creation of many wonderful works in clay. This historic pottery pitcher is most likely one of those pieces.

The pitcher stands at just under seven inches tall, so it's fairly compact in comparison to other examples we've seen recently.  Take a look at this one. This, of course, allowed for easy transport home by the tourist who wished to collect a souvenir from their visit to New Mexico. The pitcher's form is unique and attractive. We see a teardrop shape, with modifications at both top and bottom. Down below, the rounded bottom curves outward to a flat base. Up above, a rounded handle curves up to meet the larger of two openings. A smaller mouth appears on the opposite side.

Having seen a number of these late 1800s and early 1900s Tesuque pieces, we notice a preference for inventive, expressive designs. Here, a winding line-kiva steps or lightning, or both, perhaps-circles most of the pitcher, beginning and ending near the handle. Flower bulbs appear above its valleys, and birds appear beneath its peaks. An intricate array of patterns adorns the areas up above, circling the openings in bold black and adding depth and energy to the vessel's neck. All of this is completed in the bold black-on-cream style that is typical of works from this area and time period.

Condition: excellent condition, blacklight examination reveals no restoration, repair or overpaint

Provenance: this Historic Tesuque Pueblo Pottery Pitcher is from a private California collection

Recommended Reading:

- Batkin, Jonathan. The Native American Curio Trade in New Mexico, 2008.

- Batkin, Jonathan. Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940, 1987.

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Historic Pottery, Tesuque Pueblo