Vintage Santa Clara Pueblo Flora Naranjo Black on Black Small Handled Cup Signed For Sale

Gorgeous Native American pottery by Flora Naranjo (1914-2000) who was producing her pottery by the age of 21 in 1935 in New Mexico along the west bank of the Rio Grande River. Constructed using the traditional hand-coil method with local red clay. Smoothed and polished with a stone (burnishing) to achieve a high sheen. Then, refractory slip is hand painted on the polished surface to create the matte, geometric traditional motifs. The deep, black color comes from reduction firing in an open-air pit. At a precise time, the flames are smothered with powdered manure (cow or horse) which drastically reduces the available oxygen and the trapped smoke impregnates the clay surfaces with free carbon, deepening into the black color as seen on this piece. The various motifs are distinct references to the Pueblo potters\' reverence for nature, water and cycles of life. They refer to their cosmic view and connection to all natural elements of the world. This piece of pottery is strictly decorative and not utilitarian. In very good condition. No chips, cracks or repairs. Weight is 11.7 oz. Measurements : 3\" H (at handle connection) x 5\" L (belly to handle edge) x 3 7/8\" W (hip to hip).

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