Lonewolf, Joseph – “Flute Player Jar” Bronze, 8/16 (1978)

4"w x 6.5"h

$ 2,000.00

Beginning in the early 1970’s, Joseph Lonewolf revolutionized the world of Santa Clara pottery by incorporating his sgraffito (lightly etching the surface of the clay) and incised (more deeply cut into the clay) designs.  He was the first potter to begin making bronzes of his work in 1974.  This piece is from 1978.  It is based on his classic long neck jars.  This piece has a deeply carved avanyu encircling the piece.  There are carved clouds on the neck.  The lid of the jar is a flute player. Joseph said of the flute player design:

“The flute player lifts his flute and calls the creatures.  Encircled by the musical story coming from his flute, the flute player, symbolic of leadership, tells the animals to come forth”.

The images are ones that he would also use on his pottery as sgraffito designs (see last photo).  The piece is 8/16.  I doubt if the entire edition was ever cast.  It is in excellent condition.

Casting Clay: The Bronze Works of Joseph Lonewolf 1974-80