Santa Clara Polychrome Jar by Lela and Luther Gutierrez [SOLD]

This polychrome jar was made by Lela and Luther Gutierrez, a mother-and-son team from Santa Clara Pueblo. The duo’s period of collaboration lasted about ten years, from Lela's husband Van’s death in 1956 until Lela’s death in 1966. This particular piece was purchased from the artists in or around 1960.

The jar has a beautiful shape, with a wide base holding a gently sloped neck. With identical height and diameter measurements, this is a well-balanced vessel. It is slipped in rich red, with an elaborate web of painted designs in black, orange, and green. The large lower design band allows the red slip to show through, forming interlocking horizontal S shapes, with thin green lines in between forming lightning patterns. A smaller band of triangular and rectangular forms circles the neck.

The bottom of the jar is signed Lela/Luther, Sta Clara Pue.

Santa Clara Pueblo artists Lela Gutierrez and her son Luther Gutierrez were a collaborative duo of potters. Lela Naranjo Gutierrez (1895-1966), Santa Clara Pueblo, was the wife of Van Gutierrez (c.1870-1956); mother of Luther and Margaret Gutierrez; grandmother of Paul Gutierrez. Lela was active between 1915 and 1966 making polychrome bowls and jars, first with her husband and then with her son. Luther Gutierrez (1911-1987), Santa Clara Pueblo, was the son of Lela and Van Gutierrez; brother of Margaret Gutierrez; father of Pauline Naranjo. Luther was active between 1935-1987 making polychrome jars, bowls, and wedding vases. Luther collaborated with Lela, his mother, and Margaret, his sister.

Condition: excellent condition with a few light abrasions, none of which penetrates the slip

Provenance: this Santa Clara Polychrome Jar by Lela and Luther Gutierrez is from a private California collection, originally purchased from the artists

Reference: Pueblo Indian Pottery: 750 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf