Bell, Seferina – Jar with Birds, Rainbows and Butterflies (1960’s)

10.5"w x 7"h

$ 1,025.00

WOW.  This is an exciting jar by Seferina Bell.  She has long been considered one of the great Zia potters of the 20th century.  This is a classic Zia jar with a wide shoulder and a sloping neck. The jar is painted with Zia birds on each side.  The birds are polished red and surrounded by rain cloud designs.  Over the top of the birds is a red polished rainbow.  Over the top of the rainbows are clouds.  Separating the two birds are large butterflies with cloud and wind designs.  The wings of the butterflies have red clay designs.  it is not often we see a piece of her work with such great design flow.  The bowl was slipped with the white clay and painted with the black and red clay.  There is a beautiful patina to the surface of this large jar.  One side with the bird does have some slight pitting, which can be seen in the photo.  It is signed on the side with a bell, which was her hallmark.  Overall it is in good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair but there is a slight lean to the form. It is certainly a classic of her work in design and form.