Early Santo Domingo Jar by Felipita Aguilar Garcia [SOLD]

This early black-on-white design pottery jar by Felipita Aguilar Garcia, dating to around 1905, showcases a unique departure from the artist's later, more recognized work. With no restorations, the jar remains in its original condition, offering a rare glimpse into Garcia's formative techniques. The piece features four distinct design panels, each bisected by a ceremonial break that unites the entire composition. A rhythmic pattern encircles the top of the jar, a precursor to the "sine wave" motif that would later become a hallmark of the Aguilar Sisters' pottery. Expertly coil-built, the jar's perfectly formed shape highlights Garcia's masterful craftsmanship, emphasizing its significance as an early example of her evolving style.

Collaborative Aguilar pottery was first created around 1910 by Felipita Aguilar Garcia, her sister Asunción Aguilar Caté, and their sister-in-law Mrs. Ramos Aguilar. They were encouraged by Julius Seligman, proprietor of the Bernalillo Mercantile Co. in New Mexico, who noticed a decline in sales of traditional Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo) pottery and believed a fresh style could attract more interest. He was right, and today Aguilar pottery is highly prized by collectors.

In 1926, despite opposition from Kewa officials, Felipita Aguilar Garcia entered the Santa Fe Indian Market (then known as the Indian Fair) and won 2nd place with her entry.

The Aguilar sisters crafted traditional jars, ollas, and dough bowls, experimenting with different decorative styles. They became best known for their bold geometric patterns, painted in black over a cream slip. Occasionally, they used black and red over cream, with the intricate designs nearly covering the background entirely.

This style stood out from the typical Santo Domingo pottery, which usually left large areas unpainted. As a result, the Aguilar sisters' work became known as "negative boldface" pottery, a distinctive departure from the traditional aesthetic.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Early Santo Domingo Jar by Felipita Aguilar Garcia is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading:

- Douglas, Frederick H. Santo Domingo Pottery of the "Aguilar" Type. Clearing House for Southwestern Museums, Denver Art Museum, Newsletter No. 37, June 1941.

- Batkin, Jonathan. Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940

TAGS: Santo Domingo Pueblo, pottery, Felipita Aguilar Garcia, Asunción Aguilar Caté