Nampeyo of Hano Hopi-Tewa Four Color Polychrome Pictorial Bowl [SOLD]

This bold pottery bowl by Hopi Matriarch Nampeyo of Hano has a single design on the interior which occupies the predominant spot in the bowl's center. The body of the yet unidentified creature is filled with small squares in colors of red, white, black, and yellow. One end is crowned in a serrated-edge design executed in dark red. The other end is crowned in a serrated-edge design executed in white with black dots. The four hooked protrusions are outlined in black and filled in with white clay. A wide black band and a thin black band encircle the bowl just below the rim.

It has been accepted that Nampeyo of Hano added a coil of clay on the interior rim to strengthen the bowl.  There is such a coil on this bowl.  There is an old paper label attached to the underside that states “Old bowl Moki Indians.”  There is no signature on the bowl.

The age of the bowl, circa 1900, and the reinforcement of the rim, lead us to conclude that it was made by Nampeyo of Hano, although we have no similar documented pieces with which to make a comparison.  Regardless of the maker, it is an extraordinary design with a selection of complementary pigment colors.

Condition: exceptionally good condition with minor abrasions in the bottom center.

Provenance: this Nampeyo of Hano Hopi-Tewa Four Color Polychrome Pictorial Bowl is from the estate of a previous client of ours who had impeccable taste and purchased accordingly.

Recommended Reading: Canvas of Clay: Seven Centuries of Hopi Ceramic Art by Edwin L. Wade and Allan Cooke

Relative Links: Hopi Pueblo, Fannie Polacca Nampeyo, Nellie Nampeyo Douma, Annie Healing Nampeyo, Nampeyo of Hano, Hopi-Tewa Potter and Matriarch