Lonewolf, Joseph – Large Seedpot with Flute Player, Butterflies & Chipmunk (1984)

3"w x 2.5"h

$ 3,600.00

This is an exceptional larger seedpot by Joseph Lonewolf.  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.  This seedpot is fully designed.  The top of the piece has numerous designs, centered around the flute player.  Joseph has said of his flute player figures:

Standing upon the design symbolic of his pathway, 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 design of the flute player on this piece is exceptional.  It is a fascinating balance between realism (note the body) and fantasy (the head). The motion and movement in the body, the feet, and the arms reveal Joseph’s talent as an artist.  Surrounding the flute player are butterflies, a chipmunk, and plants.  They are all highlighted with additional clay slips.  The side of the seedpot is fully designed with the Lonewolf family style of feathered avanyu.  As the piece is turned you can see the head with feathers of the avanyu, the sun design and the body of the avanyu.  The yearly symbol for 1984 is also on the side.  It is a rainbow, symbolizing a bright future.  The seedpot is signed on the bottom in the clay.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. It is always exciting to come across such exceptional pieces of Joseph’s pottery!