Hopi Polychrome Jar by Nampeyo, c.1910 new

This superb example of Nampeyo's Sikyatki Revival pottery dates to 1910. Nampeyo (1856-1942) made this jar in the mature period of her pottery career, and both the jar's molding and painting are very sophisticated. This piece shows Nampeyo experimenting with different design elements from the ancient Hopi village of Sikyatki, which directly influenced her work and resulted in a revival of ancient Sikyatki designs that continues to this day. The two original abstract designs on either of the jar are highly experimental variations of the same idea, with one design's "sky band" at the top more developed, and the other's with more detail at the bottom of the design where the eagle tail feathers drop down. The design is a variation of Nampeyo's well-known eagle tail design. The jar's yellow slip shows the full tonality from ivory to burnt orange that traditional Hopi yellowware pottery is prized for. The jar measures 4 1/2" height and 5" diameter, and is in excellent original condition with no repair.