Once Known – Water Jar with Plant and Sun Designs (ca 1900)

This water jar from San Ildefonso Pueblo is from around 1900.  It has the white San Ildefonso clay silp that has been polished to create the white surface.  The jar is an elegant shape with a wide shoulder and elongated neck.  The neck of the jar has plant designs, while the area around the shoulder has a sun pattern.  It is a creative use of traditional San Ildefonso imagery. The lines are tightly painted, and the imagery perfectly matches the shape of the piece. The bottom is slipped red.  The jar is in very good condition with no cracks, restoration, or repair. There are a few small chips on the rim.

For example, the leaves of a plant would all be painted black,
except for one set, which would be painted black and red. Florentino also looked beyond the
designs of San Ildefonso, using imagery from other Pueblos, being especially influenced by
the detailed linework of Zuni pottery. Just as Martina’s vessel shapes were unique, Florentino
had his own signature designs and a spectacular painting style.

The jar is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It was published in the book, “Maria and Modernism” and featured in the exhibition at the Heard Museum.

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