Leno, Juana -Tularosa Swirl Water Jar with Fluted Rim (1960s)

7"w x 7"h

$ 850.00

Juana Leno is one of the four revivalist matriarchs of contemporary Acoma pottery (including Marie Z. Chino, Lucy Lewis, and Jessie Garcia). She was a daughter of Lupita and Jose Vallo and learned to make pottery from her grandmother Eulilia Vallo.  This water jar is from the 1960s.  It is thin-walled and intricately painted.  The design is inspired by the ancient Tularosa black-on-white pottery from 1150 to 1325 A.D (see last photo). The designs consisted of curvilinear and rectilinear opposed hatched and solid bands.  This jar has four interlocking sections with classic swirls and thin lines.  Near the neck are cloud and plant designs.  The unusual aspect of this jar is the fluted rim, which undulates around the jar.  Looking at the rim it is easy to see how thin this jar was made!  The patining is so precise on this piece!  The jar was traditionally fired, which gives it the coloration on the surface. It is signed on the bottom, “Leno”. It is in excellent condition and a creative piece of pottery by this important Acoma Pueblo potter!