$21,150
Large Southwest Polychrome Pottery Jar with Lid, San Ildefonso, c. 1905-15, attributed to Martina and Florentino Montoya, the bulbous form with flared neck and lid with handle, with dark red and black stylized geometric devices on a cream-color slip, (hairline crack, part of rim broken and re-glued), ht. 18, dia. 16 in. Provenance: Mary Krippendorf. Note: This large and beautifully painted San Ildefonso storage jar is attributed to Martina (1856-1916) and Florentino Montoya (1858-1918). The polychrome vessel dates c. 1905-1915 and stands 18 in. including the lid. According to Kenneth Chapman, Martina was from Cochiti and Florentino was from San Ildefonso. This duo inspired major innovations in pottery style and techniques. Spending much time in Cochiti before permanently moving there between 1902 and 1905 according to Jonathan Batkin, the potting team was introduced to the Cochiti slip, bentonite. This slip was much easier to apply and they were able to polish it quicker with a rag as opposed to the painstaking stone polishing process. They introduced the bentonite slip to the San Ildefonso potters whom rapidly adopted it. Although there are no documented examples of their pottery being signed, their pottery is very identifiable. Mr. Batkin lists design characteristics of Florentino's painting as having negative arcs, circles, bars and triangles along with large stepped designs, outlined scallops and checkerboard motifs. The above vessel has most of these elements. Further Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2007-09-23
