Tesuque Pueblo Historic Pottery Jar with Handles [SOLD]

This wonderful historic pottery jar was made by an unknown Tesuque Pueblo artist. We'd date the piece to between 1890 and 1910. It is not typical in form, which suggests that it was made at the request of one of Santa Fe's enterprising traders. Tesuque potters were close to town and willing to adapt their traditional styles to suit the burgeoning market, which made them particularly useful to the early traders. We are always delighted to come across a piece from this era, as they are distinctive and full of character.

This piece takes a vase-like form, with a wide base, a gently curved neck, and a slimmer rim. Many years later, this form would emerge frequently from San Ildefonso and elsewhere, though rarely with the handles that appear on this piece. This is a gorgeous vessel, and its unnamed creator was ahead of her time.

The bank of diamonds surrounding the mid-body is a typical style from Tesuque in its continuous, unbroken chain. The designs within the diamonds are personal and unique. Some are clearly identifiable, and others are mysterious. Together, they form an appealing pattern of simple but expressive images. Rain flows freely down from the rim, and a variety of smaller designs appear in other areas. The most notable and delightful additional touch is a small human figure, which appears near one of the handles. This is an excellent example of historic Tesuque pottery, and most certainly a unique piece.

Santa Fe merchant Jake Gold was a great influence in getting potters at Tesuque to make pottery vessels in shapes that he felt would appeal to travelers to Santa Fe from the New England region-shapes with which they were familiar, and which would fit in their Victorian homes. Jars somewhat in the shape of vases, and jars with handles were particularly of interest. This jar was very likely influenced by and requested by merchants such as Jake Gold of Santa Fe. He seems not to have had any influence on the designs, only on the vessel shapes. The potters generally placed traditional Tesuque designs on the jars.

Condition: excellent condition for its age, with some light abrasions

Provenance: this Tesuque Pueblo Historic Pottery Jar with Handles is from a private New Mexico collection

References: Batkin, Jonathan. Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940, 1987.

TAGS: Southwest Indian Pottery, Historic Pottery, Tesuque Pueblo