Tesuque/San Idefonso Polychrome Olla, c.1880-1898

Item: NOPT1404C
Material: native clay
Size: 9 3/4" x 10 1/2" diameter
Period: Historic
Origin: Tesuque

This is a late 19th century San Ildefonso polychrome olla traditionally made and fired in natural clay and painted with both mineral and vegetal pigments. The design is split in two bands with the mid body having a variety of floral motifs surrounding large undecorated spaces. The thinner band around the neck and rim features a vine like motif and all painted in black and red on a cream background. We can more specifically date this jar based on its stone polish. This technique of preparing the surface for painting was abandoned in 1908 and polychrome as a type was not developed until 1880 so it was definitively made in that period. There were approximately eight notable potters in this period including Maria Martinez and Martina Vigil. Unfortunately this piece is not attributed but further research could yield interesting results.

SOLD

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