Santo Domingo black on red jar
attributed to Felipita Garcia, one of the Aguilar sisters
circa 1911-1930
11 1/2" diameter by 11" high
excellent condition
provenance available
P0490
SOLD
Santo Domingo pottery excelled in the early 20th century and the pottery by 3 related women, the Aguilar sisters and sister-in-law (Felipita Aguilar Garcia, Asuncion Aguilar Cate, and Mrs. Ramos Aguilar), was especially notable. I believe that this jar was probably made by Felipita Garcia, who was a particularly fine artist as well as innovator.
This jar is able to be approximately dated by its design and shape (classic Aguilar), innovative qualities and the overall design that sets off the shape of the vessel.)
Note that the rag-polished red slip used on the underbody is one that was typically used in Santo Domingo after 1900 (Batkin, Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940, Taylor Museum of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 1987, p. 100). Batkin also points out that Felipita Garcia was known to continue her style (starting about 1910) "as late as 1920 to 1930; she also made...traditional Black-on-red vessels, all of them beautifully executed. (Ibid, p. 99). The same red slip is applied to the inside neck of the jar. The red slip of the main body of the jar is a slightly different red, probably indicating that the potter mixed some of the more-traditional buff slip with the red to achieve this color.
While the central band design is traditional at Santo Domingo, the scale and design of the upper and lower bands indicate Felipita Garcia's work. The wide black band is particularly innovative and effective in setting off the overall design and shape of the pot.
This jar is beautifully formed and painted. It is equally good on all 4 sides and has been preserved in "almost new" condition.
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New York, New York 10021
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