Zia Pueblo Double Rainbow Large Jar [SOLD]

It is always a challenge to make an attribution to a specific potter for a specific vessel, but, thanks to Francis H. Harlow and Dwight P. Lanmon, who provided us with an excellent book on Zia Pottery (see below), it is sometimes possible to compare one’s jar with photographs of published ones for whom the potter is known.  It is tempting to state that this jar was possibly made by Isabel Medina Toribio (c.1882-1940) around 1900.  This attribution is based on the unique style of the bird which has a large breast, two tail feathers, and a swooping wing.  They head of the bird with its black ears is also a style of Toribio.

The true evaluation of the jar, however, should be based on the quality of the finished vessel, not on who might have made it.  The jar is larger than most water jars, was perfectly formed to a beautiful vessel shape, and designed with an appealing array of birds, rainbows, and curving black feathers. It makes a visual statement that is not easy to overlook.

Condition: very good condition with some abrasions to the surface design

Provenance: from a gentleman from Oregon

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