Laguna Pueblo Large Polychrome Olla [SOLD]

This is most likely a Laguna Pueblo polychrome olla that is truly an exceptional work of art. This exemplary olla dates to circa 1920, and is a superb example of the potter's art.

The design field is broken into three horizontal sections, which perfectly accentuate and compliment the form of the jar. The upper band, below rim top, extends to the upper shoulder, with parallelogram bars and floral elements with berries.

The middle design is a continuous bold wide zigzag band that is the focal design element of the vessel. It is filled with black checkerboard, orange checkerboard and overlapping fine line elements.

The lower band of design is similar to the upper band but on a larger and bolder scale.

The underbody is orange. Double framing lines between the design and underbody do not have ceremonial line breaks. The jar has a concave base, brown rim and orange painted on the inside lip to a depth of about 3 inches. There is a slight tilt to the posture of the jar.

This work is perfectly typical of Laguna ceramics, in form, construction, materials, and design execution. The parallelogram bars are very typical of Laguna Pueblo design elements, as are the plants with berries. The plants with berries are a feature taken by Laguna potters to Isleta Pueblo when they migrated there in 1879.

This jar is marvelously patinated, with a smooth, semi-gloss sheen; a complexity of depth, color, and surface completely unattainable save through the intricacies and subtleties of an aged surface, evidence of many years of service within the pueblo.

Condition: the pottery jar is in very good condition with wear expected on a jar of this age. The owner stated that a small rim chip was repaired but there is no clear evidence of that through UV examination.

Provenance: from the collection of a Santa Fe resident.

Recommended Reading:  Acoma and Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham