Vintage Hopi / Hopi-Tewa Polychrome Pottery Bowl, Sikyatki-Style Abstract Avian For Sale

Vintage hand-built and hand-painted Pueblo pottery bowl, attributed to the Hopi/Tewa tradition of the American Southwest. Beautiful mottled burnished surface.

A particularly appealing low, broad form measuring approximately 8" in diameter and 2.25" high. The bowl is remarkably substantial, with thick hand-worked clay walls measuring more than 1/4" at the rim. The painted decoration consists of bold dark geometric and linear motifs against the warm natural clay ground.

The low saucer-like profile, substantial hand-built construction, clay body and painted decoration are consistent with Southwestern Pueblo pottery, and we believe this piece is most likely Hopi/Tewa. It is unmarked and the individual maker is unknown, so the attribution is offered based on visual characteristics rather than a documented provenance.

The Hopi-Tewa pottery tradition is particularly associated with the pueblos of First Mesa in northern Arizona and is known for hand-coiled construction and painted designs derived from longstanding Pueblo ceramic traditions. This piece has an especially strong, sculptural presence and displays beautifully as both Native American pottery and Southwestern folk art.

CONDITION: Very good vintage condition overall. There is an approximately 3/8" fine hairline extending perpendicular from the rim, shown clearly in the photographs. It does not appear to extend through a large portion of the vessel and the bowl remains solid and displayable. Expected minor surface and firing irregularities consistent with handmade pottery and age. No maker's signature or other identifying mark found.

Approximate dimensions:
8" diameter
2.25" high
Rim/wall thickness over 1/4"

Please examine all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the condition description. Attribution and age are based on our examination of the piece and are not guaranteed in the absence of a signature or provenance.