Antonio, Frederica – Large Five-Color 16 Band Gourd Jar

8"w x 7.5"h

$ 4,400.00

WOW!  This is an impressive large five-color gourd or “melon” jar by Frederica Antonio.  The jar is col-built and while the clay is still wet she pushes out each of the eight ribs.  The result is a striking and unusual shape for her pottery!  Then she begins to paint using bee-weed (black) and different colors of clay slips.  She uses a series of fine vertical and horizontal lines which are then filled in to create larger images in the squares.  The jar has a series of vertical cloud patterns, extending from the rim to the base.  They each accentuate the ribs and the indented areas between each rib.  I often say that melon jars have twice the design space of just a regular shaped vessel. This piece reflects the increased amount of painting, as there are 8 ribs, but 16 rows of design!   There are five different colors on the bowl, including her new brown coloration.  The base of the jar is concave, reminiscent of historic Acoma jars which 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, “F. V.  Antonio”.