Once Known – San Ildefonso Polychrome Pitcher with Handle, Bird and Flowers, Tag (1915-20)

This is an unusual pitcher from San Ildefonso Pueblo.  It is from around 1915-20. The piece is made from native clay, slipped white and painted.  This piece has a fantastic shape with points on the rim and a rasied area to the base of the handle. The rim of the jar is polished red.  The handle is painted with hatchure lines. The body of the jar has large plants on either side, and a single bird reaching up to eat a seed.  The base has alternating red and black circles.  The subject matter is charming in the depiction of the bird.  The jar was traditionally fired, giving it the coloration on the surface.  It is unsiged and there are just not enough indicators to create a strong attribution.  However, it is in very good condition with no chips,  cracks, restoration or repair.  The also has a tag on the side, probably from a New Mexico Curio Shop.  It says “From San Ildefonso Pueblo Indians Rio Grande River, New Mexico”.  It’s always nice ot see one of these early tags on a piece as part of the historical provenance.