de la Cruz, Juan and Lois Gutierrez – “Mountain Lion” Storage Jar

14.5"w x 14.5"h

$ 7,200.00

Juan Cruz is creating some beautifully painted polychrome pottery.  He is a son of noted potter Lois Gutierrez.  Lois made the jar and Juan, who is noted for his illustrations, painted the design using natural clay slips..  This is Juan’s second large vessel, which certainly requires different skills to paint something so large.  Juan wrote of the scene he painted as follows:

“Before setting out, the hunters make their offering at the shrine of the Stone Lions.  The lion is the personification of the hunt, for his skill and cunning when stakling his prey is legendary.”

The jar is truly polychrome (more than three colors of clay).  Note the intricacy of the painted designs and especially the figures.  The jar has been traditionally fired outdoor and overall is a striking coloration.  There are some additional images at then end of the jar in process.  It is signed on the indented bottom of the jar by both Juan and Lois.  The description is written on the back of a hand-painted graphic of a cougar and deer.  What a phenomenal addition to this piece and the painting helps to better understand the story behind the art.