Interior Designed Hopi Pueblo Bowl [SOLD]

Nampeyo was such a successful and important potter at the turn of the last century that it is suspected that other potters copied some of her work in the hopes of being able to compete in sales.  However tempting it is to assign similar pottery to the hands of Nampeyo, it is more prudent to disavow a piece even when it looks similar to her work.

This open bowl, with the design restricted to the interior, is quite like the work of Nampeyo but, the owner does not think it is her work and he is a devoted collector of her pottery. Although I cannot specify exactly why I might agree with him, it just seems prudent to say it is similar to but not the work of Nampeyo.

That extra roll of clay that Nampeyo attached to the rim of bowls is missing on this one.  The application of the red slip was loosely done.  The layout of the design is certainly like Nampeyo often arranged with the swirl of the bird’s tail in a beautifully executed arch.  The tassel-like appendages at the end of the arch are similar to something Nampeyo did.  The red semi-circle that represents the earth is a Nampeyo trait.

All in all, it seems a toss up as to whether this was made by Nampeyo or not, but since the consignor is happy to sell it as not having been made by Nampeyo, we will proceed to do so.

Condition: this Interior Designed Hopi Pueblo Bowl is in very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Texas

Recommended Reading: Nampeyo and Her Pottery by Barbara Kramer