Tafoya, LuAnn – 14″ Tall Jar with Rainclouds and Water Designs

11"w x 14.25"h

$ 6,800.00

This is an impressive large water jar by LuAnn Tafoya.  She is a daughter of Margaret Tafoya and learned to make the large vessels from her mother.  Take a moment and look at the shape.  It starts with a small base and has a wide shoulder.  This is a form for which LuAnn is famous in Santa Clara pottery.  The wide rise from the base to the shoulder is difficult to create. The jar then is rounded on the shoulder and extends upward to the neck.  For as wide and tall as the jar it, there is perfect symmetry.  I was very fortunate to have been a judge when she won Best of Show at Santa Fe Indian Market. The jar she entered was larger (21″ across!) but equally as stable and symmetrical. This jar is polished red on the base and neck.  The central band is matte with her classic “gourd” or “squash” designs.  LuAnn said that this was a design which was given to her by her father, Alcario Tafoya.  It is a flowing pattern and repeated in each of the four panels.  The contrast of the matte against the deep red is visually striking.  The pottery of LuAnn Tafoya is an important continuation of the traditions of her family and the pueblo.  Today, few potters create pieces this size and the skill and beauty in LuAnn’s pottery is always remarkable!  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “LuAnn Tafoya”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.