Striking Santa Clara Pueblo Historic Red Pottery Jar c. 1900

This striking Santa Clara redware jar, dating to around 1900, is a fine example of Pueblo craftsmanship from northern New Mexico. Measuring 12 inches in height by 12 1⁄2 inches in diameter, its geometry nearly forms a perfect cube, a form that distinguishes it from more common water jars, which are typically smaller and more rounded in proportion. Its flat bottom is particularly unusual and suggests it was designed for more stationary use, perhaps for storage rather than daily carrying.

The jar features a well-balanced profile, with a prominent shoulder at its mid-point that rises into a gently tapered neck and a classic rolled rim. A high stone polish covers the exterior and extends into the interior of the rim, creating a rich, lustrous surface that testifies to the skill of its maker. Abrasions around the rim are present but are consistent with age and use, and they do not detract from the vessel's visual or structural integrity.

What truly sets this piece apart is its remarkable coloration. The deep, vibrant red hue, achieved through oxidation in an outdoor firing process, is among the most admired qualities of traditional Santa Clara pottery. While Santa Clara Pueblo is celebrated for its polished blackware and redware, the saturation and evenness of color on this jar are especially noteworthy, enhancing its already impressive form.

Santa Clara redware has deep historical roots, with potters from the Pueblo long recognized for their finely polished surfaces and carefully controlled firing techniques. This jar reflects both tradition and individuality, exemplifying the elegance and strength that define the finest work from Santa Clara artisans.

Condition: very good condition, with minor abrasions and a small chip along the rim consistent with age and use

Provenance: This Striking Santa Clara Pueblo Historic Red Pottery Jar c. 1900 is from a collector in Santa Fe.

Recommended Reading: Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940 by Jonathan Batkin

TAGS: Santa Clara Pueblo, Historic Pottery, Southwest Indian Pottery