Da, Tony – Avanyu Jar with Carved Lid and Turquoise and Coral (1978-9)
This is a striking red and matte polished jar by Tony Da. The jar is from 1978-9 period of his work. The neck of the jar is matte and sanded smooth to feel like leather. The remainder of the jar is polished red. There is an avanyu encircling the jar that is eteched into the clay. As the jar is turned, there are bear paws and clouds above the avanyu. Below are seed, deer track, and butterfly designs. The jar was fired a deep red coloration and then inset with turquoise. Each piece is perfectly set into the clay. The lid on the jar is one of his more intricate, with carved prayer feathers. The background is slipped black and the surrounding area red. The top of the lid is carved so that almost appears if the turquoise is floating above the lid! The lid has inset coral and turquoise. Tony made few pieces with such complex lids, as they often broken and were tedious to make. The jar and lid are both signed, “DA” in the clay. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. Tony Da had a short career that spanned from 1967-82. Tony began making bears as early as his first show in 1967 at Gallup Ceremonials, and over time, they evolved into more sculptural forms.
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Da, Tony (1940-2008)
