Large Ohkay Owingeh Calico (Black and Red) Olla or Water Jar

Ohkay Owingeh

Circa 1890 | Clay | Item 2137

This is an exceptional example of a late 19th century Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan) water jar. I call this a calico jar due to the random mix of the black with the red. The pottery is separated into two portions typical of this type. The upper two thirds is dark black mixed with deep brown/red slip all stone polished. This jar is highly unusual due to the mix of the red with the black. I have never seen this intense of a mix before. Whether the slip when fired turns red or black is all about oxidizing the surface (turns red) or reduction of the surface when firing (turns black). Here there was a mix of both processes. This may have been intentional, or it may have been accidental but regardless, the end result is striking.

The underbody is also stone polished but is without any slip. There is a very clear line showing this distinction. There are several well pronounced black fire clouds set against the cream tan underbody. This all makes for a striking visual contrast. The bulbous body on the upper portion comes to a good shoulder before beginning the tall neck that ends with an out-flared rim showing subtle crenulations around the rim. A strong shoulder and a nice, out flaring rim make for a very satisfying jar.