Laguna Pueblo Lidded Melon Jar by Andrew Padilla [SOLD]

This lidded jar was created by Andrew Padilla, an artist with ties to Laguna and Santa Clara Pueblos. This jar uses the ribbed "melon jar" style that was popularized at Santa Clara, but it's made using Laguna clay and signed as a Laguna piece. The jar is noticeably modern in style, but it is made using natural materials.

The vessel's shape is a unique variation of the melon jar. It's low and wide rather than round, and its ribs are larger and more dramatic than the usual example. Some might see a pumpkin when viewing this gorgeous piece. A lid with a vertical kiva step addition is included. The smooth white slip is beautiful, and certainly well-suited for this vessel shape. This is the first of Padilla's jars to come to the gallery, and we are pleased to be able to spend some time with it.

The bottom of the jar is signed Andrew Padilla, Laguna N.M.

Andrew Padilla (1956-2021) was a potter with roots at both Laguna and Santa Clara Pueblos. He was initially taught blackware styles by his Santa Clara family. After moving to Laguna Pueblo in 1982, he began working with Laguna's white clay, and ultimately developed a style that might be described as an amalgamation of both pueblos' styles. Padilla's works have received awards at Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum.

Condition: this Laguna Pueblo Lidded Melon Jar by Andrew Padilla is in excellent condition

Provenance: private Colorado collection, ex Richard M. Howard collection

Recommended Reading: Acoma & Laguna Pottery by Rick Dillingham

TAGS: Laguna Pueblo, Southwest Indian Pottery, Contemporary Pottery