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 is one of the larger pieces we have had of her work.  It was originally purchased in 1968.  The jar is coil built and fully painted.  It has flower designs that are surrounded by birdwing patterns.  Each of the bird wings is very intricately painted.  Note the exceptional use of design to flow from the neck to the base with open space to allow the clay to speak through the imagery.  The jar was traditionally fired so there is a slight variation in coloration. It is signed on the bottom, “Mrs. Juana Leno”. It is in excellent condition and a creative piece of pottery by this important Acoma Pueblo potter!