San Ildefonso (Tesuque?) Polychrome Jar, Rare Form, 19th Century.

San Ildefonso Pueblo

19th century | Clay | Item 2424

This is an unusual and beautiful Pueblo Jar. The attribution is San Ildefonso Pueblo but it could be Tesuque. The elegant form shows a broad mid-body at 12″ in diameter centered well below the midpoint. From this widest point is a strong shoulder that goes horizontal for 1/4″ before climbing quickly to the tall neck ending with a beautifully formed flared rim. The slip comes in two colors. White slip is used for the shoulder to to top of the rim. Red slip is used at the top of the underbody in a band measuring 1/2″ in width. Red is also used on the rim and on the interior to cover the lid receptor. There is no lid with this jar, but evidence shows there was one. Black slip is used for the design elements and for the thin boarder separating the upper from the lower body. There is no break in this boundary line, however, there is much rubbing along it making it appear broken at multiple points. The underbody has no slip and is stone polished smooth with facets remaining. There are fire clouds throughout the underbody and, to a lesser degree, the upper body. The white slip has much wear and shows crackle throughout. There is an old label at the bottom with the number “44”.

It is difficult to date this jar more specifically than the 19th century. My current assumption is that it’s the last quarter of the 19th century, circa 1880. The shape is a call back to an earlier form used in the 18th century. My research shows that lids were used before the tourist trade and became more popular in the later 19th century. I would like to hear from anyone with more experience that might better date this jar.