Trammel, Jennie – Tall Jar with Sun and Cloud Design (1980’s)

7.25"w x 9"h

$ 4,000.00

Stunning!  This is an exceptional jar by Jennie Trammel.   She was a daughter of Margaret Tafoya.  Over the years Jennie did not make a lot of pottery as she lived a very private life and was virtually never involved in markets or gallery shows.  However, she created striking pottery with classic shapes and designs which were distinctive to her work.  Each piece was coil built and it was the carving, with the rounded edges, which was a visual key to her work.  This tall jar has a low shoulder, which gives it lots of space for design.  The central areas is fully carved with three rising sun designs.  They are separated by three cloud motifs descending downward.  Jennie continues to fascinate with her designs, as they are images that few other Santa Clara potters use in their work.  As well, as on this piece, her choice to use three designs instead of four, is more difficult and unusual.  The carving is very deep and the piece is a very deep red.  The background area is matte and the traditional creame colored clay slip. The jar is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  There are a couple of areas of slip loss on the edge of some of the carving, which might have happened at the time of firing and are not unusual in her larger pottery.  The jar is signed, “Jennie Trammel” in the clay on bottom.   Definitely one of her classics!