Sofia Pino Medina Zia Pueblo Four-Color Polychrome Pottery Jar [R]

This polychrome pottery jar was created by Zia Pueblo potter Sofia Pino Medina. Measuring twelve inches in height and sixteen in diameter, it has an unusually wide shape. This variation from the norm works quite well. Interestingly, the width of the piece somehow amplifies the perceived height—we'd never have estimated after our initial viewing that the jar stands just an inch or so higher than the average functional olla. It's a wonderful form, and the expanded size allowed Medina ample space for strong design work.

Sofia Medina's delightful designs cover the majority of the jar's exterior, with the only exception being the typical, red-slipped base. She wisely chose to expand the size of her designs to suit the jar rather than fill the enlarged surface with additional elements. Her primary element is a large bird, which hovers above a cluster of plants. From the ground into which the plants are rooted, kiva steps rise to meet the ends of a large rainbow. The elements come together to form a beautifully self-contained, circular design, which repeats again on the opposite side of the jar. The areas in between these two repetitions are decorated by pairs of flowers framed within thick lines in pale orange. This jar looks and feels impressive and substantial in every way.

The jar is signed Sofia Medina, Zia near the base.

Sofia Pino Medina (1932 - 2010) married into the Medina family in 1948. She and her new husband, Rafael (1929-1998), lived with his grandmother, Trinidad Medina, who taught Sofia the techniques of potting. Her mentor, Trinidad, was one of the most talented potters at Zia Pueblo, and Sofia learned well and produced quality wares throughout her life. Sofia used only natural materials in her pottery, including the pigments with which she painted. Her husband is known for using acrylic paints on pottery after firing. Sofia won many awards at Santa Fe Indian Market and placed works in notable museum collections around the Southwest.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Sofia Pino Medina Zia Pueblo Four-Color Polychrome Pottery Jar is from a private New Mexico collection

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Zia Pueblo by Harlow and Lanmon

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Zia Pueblo, Sofia Pino Medina, Zia Pueblo Potter