Hopi Pueblo Historic Pottery Bowl with Interior and Exterior Designs [SOLD]

This bowl shows its age beautifully and elegantly.  It likely dates to circa 1910, shows some wear patterns, but is in remarkable condition. The rim rolls out to display the band of painted design, executed in black and orange on the polished warm orange slip. There are two design strips, each repeated twice.  The design strip is outlined with double framing lines at the top and bottom.

The exterior of the bowl is elegantly designed with extraordinary detail.  Each design section is similar to its neighbor, but with variations.  On some of the designs, red slip is used, but on its neighbor, black pigment or black outlining is used.  It is these subtle differences that add to the complexity of the overall design. A light coat of red slip was placed over the underside of the bowl.

Old Hopi pottery takes on the most luscious look after years of use in daily household chores.  This bowl certainly was lovingly used for decades.  The interior slip on the bowl has assumed a soft oily look.  The rim design is still intact as is the exterior design.  

The warm orange glow of Hopi pottery is a result of the firing technique and all Hopi pottery fired in that manner has warmth to it but, after decades of use, it takes on a particularly exciting luster that only comes from use.  Take a look at the images and see if you have the reaction I had.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Hopi Pueblo Historic Pottery Bowl with Interior and Exterior Designs is from an estate in Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: HOPI CLAY – HOPI CEREMONY an Exhibition of Hopi Art - Katonah Gallery, Katonah, NY

Relative Links: pottery, Hopi Pueblo, historic pottery