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Black and White Jar

A work made of ceramic and pigment.

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  • A work made of ceramic and pigment.

Date:

c. 1910–20

Artist:

Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico, United States

About this artwork

This spare jar, or olla, with it narrowed neck, rounded shoulder that smoothly transitions into its large, globular body, was not made to serve a religious function, but rather represents one of many different vessels intended for storage purposes in the home. Made in Santo Domingo Pueblo, a community noted for its highly traditional culture that maintained a conservative ceramic tradition, displaying little variation in shape or designs since the latter half of the 18th century. Coated with a cream-white slip in the Kiua manner and ornamented with an elegant, spare design in black pigment, this sophisticated vessel is an example of Santo Domingo Kiua ware at its very best. The swelling body features three oval panels outlined in black, while the shoulder and neck display a register of ovoid shapes, each ornamented with two curving inner brushstroke appendages. Other fine calligraphic touches consist of teardrop-shaped motifs between the upper band ovoids, fine-line dashes below the rim, and a characteristic break in the shoulder-line—an “imperfection” included to satisfy the Creator Spirit.
This pueblo and its neighbor Cochiti, are noted for their highly conservative culture. Kiua Polychrome jars and bowls have been made since the latter half of the 18th century with certain variations. The Kiua style continued into the very early 20th century. This vessel is most sophisticated in its design and execution, and as an example of Santo Domingo Kiua ware at its very best, it would be an important addition to our AIC collection.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of the Americas

Culture

Santo Domingo

Title

Black and White Jar

Place

Santo Domingo Pueblo (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1900–1910

Medium

Ceramic and pigment

Dimensions

Approx: 47 × 48.3 cm (18 1/2 × 19 in.)

Credit Line

Mrs. Leonard Florsheim Fund

Reference Number

2014.985

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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