Sanchez, Ignacia – Polychrome Water Jar (ca 1910)

Ignacia Peña Sanchez (1865–?) is one of the great matriarchs of San Ildefonso pottery, and yet she remains relatively unknown.  She was the mother of Ramona Sanchez Gonzales (famous in the 1920s for her black-on-black pottery) and the great-grandmother of Russell Sanchez.  Ignacia is considered to have been among the first at the Pueblo to create inwardly edged rims to hold her stylized lids. The painting on her pieces is also immediately recognizable for its use of negative space and bold designs that appear more modern than ancient. This water jar is a classic of her work with bold painted floral designs.  The inside of the rim is also painted with designs.  Few potters of the time would paint their pieces leaving so much open space, giving her work a very modern appearance. It is in very good condition with no cracks, restoration, or repair. 

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