Modern Blackware Jar with Dimples [SOLD]

This blackware jar was created by Sharon Naranjo Garcia of Santa Clara Pueblo. It is a beautifully made piece of modern blackware. The vessel form is a variation of a traditional Tewa water jar shape, modified to suit today's market and the artist's tastes. The wide base and flared rim are reminiscent of those that appear on earlier utilitarian pots, but the neck here is shortened, resulting in a unique and beautiful vessel.

Sharon Naranjo Garcia created seven identical impressions in the jar, circling the neck just above the shoulder. This, too, is indebted to earlier works, on which a number of different types of impressed designs occasionally appeared. Here, the beautifully polished slip works together with the dimples to create soft pockets of reflected light. Each dimple faces a different direction, so each one takes on a slightly different tone as it interacts with the light from a unique angle.

The bottom of the jar is signed Sharon Naranjo Garcia, Santa Clara Pueblo.

Santa Clara Pueblo artist Sharon Naranjo Garcia (1951- ) is known for her amazing pottery creations. Many of today's potters began working with clay while incredibly young. Most learned the art of making pottery from an adult family member. Sharon Naranjo Garcia is no exception, and she had great role models to learn from. Born in 1951, she was raised by her famous grandmother, Christina Naranjo, and began making small animals using her grandmother's clay. From there, she developed into a full-fledged potter. Although she has lived at Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan Pueblo) since her marriage over 20 years ago, she still makes Santa Clara Pueblo style pottery.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Modern Blackware Jar with Dimples is from a private collection

References: Pueblo Indian Pottery: 750 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.  Artist Image by Dr. Neil Chapman, courtesy of Gregory Schaaf.

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Christina Naranjo, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Sharon Naranjo Garcia