Jennie Laate was among the most important revival potters at Zuni in the 1970’s.  This is one of the largest pieces of her pottery we have ever seen!  She usually made miniatures so something this large and complex is definitely unusual. It is exceptional how she used the historic Zuni vessel as her frame of reference and then was able to modify them to create her own designs.  There is a “folk art” feel about her pieces as she isn’t focused on precision like a contemporary potter, but more about the essence and revival.  This large bowl is fully painted on the inside and outside.  The interior has heartline deer along with rainbird patterns. The exterior has cloud, rain, and lightning patterns.  All of these are design elements that are seen on classic Zuni vessels of the late 1800s.  It is in good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is signed on the bottom, “Jennie Laate”.  There are a few areas of wear, which are not uncommon with her work and especially the size of this piece.  It is certainly a vessel with historic importance in the history of modern Zuni pottery!