Lonewolf, Joseph – Mini Seedpot with Lizards, Horned Lizard and Snake (1986)

1"w x 1.75"h

$ 1,200.00

This is a very intricate and charming miniature seedpot by Joseph Lonewolf.  It is from 1986.  The piece has two lizards on the front on either side of a horned lizard.  They are etched or “sgraffito” into the surface and then highlighted with white and two different green clay slips.  The opposite side is fully polished.  There is a rattlesnake and butterfly as the designs. While the lizards are inspired by the Mimbres designs of the 1100’s, the snake and butterfly are more realistic in style.  There is the yearly symbol for 1986 which on the back which is a heart.  It is in perfect condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Joseph Lonewolf”.  Shipping is included.

“Since the design is in my mind, I just start cutting or chipping away at the first slick polished layer, using tools that are chips of flint attached to sticks. A very light pressure is used to remove the slip; for different effects, harder pressure cuts more deeply. I may work all day to do only a quarter-inch of design work on the top rim. But once I put the pot down, I don’t see that design on it again until I pick it up to work on it again. The picture fades and I am able to go on to other pots, other chores.” —JOSEPH LONEWOLF, 1975, ARIZONA LIVING