Da, Tony – Red Jar with Avanyu (1972-3)

4.25"w x 3.75"h

$ 9,800.00

Tony Da had a short career which spanned from 1967-82.  He helped change the world of Pueblo pottery.   He was among the first to begin etching into the surface of the pottery (sgraffito), adding stones, hei-shi and then began creating all matte carved vessels.  His pottery today is considered to be among the most sought after by collectors and museum alike. This jar with a slightly elongated neck is from 1972-3.  It is a period when the red clay slip was a bit deeper red in coloration.  This bowl is fully polished and has a water serpent (avanyu) as the design. The avanyu is etched into the clay and note the sharpness of the horn. The avanyu is symbolic of the village being saved from a flood by the water serpent.  The bowl is signed on the bottom in the clay, “DA”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  This is certainly a classic style of Tony’s pottery and even an early piece like this bowl reflects the impact he had, and continues to have, on Pueblo pottery.  The pottery of Tony Da remains an important addition to any collection!