Once Known – San Ildefonso Polychrome Water Jar with Leaf Designs and Red Polished Rim (1900-1910)

This is a classic water jar from San Ildefonso Pueblo.  It is from around 1905-1915. The piece is made from native clay, slipped white and painted.  The jar has the white clay slip from Cochiti Pueblo introduced by Florentino and Martina Montoya.  That particular clay was rag polished, but it also created some spalling on the surface which can be seen on this piece. The jar has a red polished rim.  The neck has painted rain clouds.  The body of the jar has plant designs encircling the piece.  The bottom of the jar has two different colors of red slip, which gives it a bit earlier date.  It was traditionally fired, giving it the coloration on the surface.  It is unsiged and there are just not enough indicators to create a strong attribution.  However, it is in very good condition with no chips,  cracks, restoration or repair.