Vintage Zuni Pueblo Pair of Polychrome Candlesticks [SOLD]

This pair of candlesticks appears to date to the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The paste materials are typically Zuni, white and chunky in texture with the centuries old temper material of ground pottery shards. The use of old shards for temper evidenced the regard of the pueblo peoples for the old works made by their predecessors. To add these remnants to the new work is a sign of respect.

The candlesticks were slipped in cream-colored clay over which a charming array of birds were painted in brown mineral paint and highlighted with red. A third color, golden in hue, was used to accent the stepped decorative elements. The base and the rim were painted brown.  The handles were designed with alternating colors of triangles, as were those around the neck and shoulder.

The candlesticks were not signed with the name of the potter. They most likely date to the 1920s.

Condition: very good condition with some slip abrasions and loss

Provenance: this Vintage Zuni Pueblo Pair of Polychrome Candlesticks is from the estate of Henry Christensen III, attorney at law in New York City to whom we sold this in 2004.

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Zuni Pueblo by Lanmon & Harlow

Relative Links: pottery, Zuni Pueblo, old pottery