Antonio, Frederica – Four Color “Autumn Leaves” Jar

7.5"w x 7.75"h

$ 2,800.00

Frederica Antonio is renown for her intricately painted pottery. Each piece is coil built and then finely painted. Her designs are a series of fine horizontal and then vertical lines that are then filled in to create larger images in the squares.  This jar is a classic olla shape with a high shoulder and a long neck.  This jar is the “Autumn Leaves” design.  Around the neck are designs representing the autumn leaves changing color.  It is very intricately designed with a series of rectangles in color and triangles in black-and-white.  The neck represents the fall leaves.  The coloration is not only complex for painting various colors but also that after she has painted each color, she has to go over the edges to repaint the black! The remainder of the jar has rain, snow, clouds, and a dry river and full river designs. As Autumn comes to Acoma Pueblo, there is snow and rain and the rivers that were dry in summer become fuller again with the moisture.  Each of the larger design sections are separated by a lightning design in red, black and ochre.  Overall, this ja has a dynamic appearance and movement to the designs.  The base of the jar is concave, reminiscent of historic Acoma jars that were carried on the head.  This combination of thin walls, classic shape, and tightly painted design creates a piece that is visually stunning!  The jar is signed on the bottom.