San Juan Pueblo Incised Red Polychrome Pottery

ca. 1930 - 1950

3.75" H x 6.625" D

Hand Coiled from Red Polychrome Clay with Painted Geometric Designs

Excellent Condition

San Juan Pueblo incised red polychrome pottery is a distinctive style of redware pottery produced by potters from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo (historically known as San Juan Pueblo, renamed in 2005). This revival style features polished red rims and bases, a matte tan or buff mid-body band with incised (sgraffito or carved) geometric designs, and polychrome elements using matte red, tan/buff, cream/white, and sometimes micaceous slips for sparkle and texture.Common motifs include fine-line hatching, clouds, kiva steps, feathers, spirals, rainbows, triangular frets, and occasional pictorial elements like flowers or deer dancers. The incisions are often filled with micaceous clay before firing, creating contrast and depth.History and RevivalPottery production at Ohkay Owingeh nearly ceased by the late 19th century. In the 1930s, Regina Cata (a Spanish woman married into the pueblo) organized a group of about eight women potters to revive the tradition, inspired by tourism success at nearby pueblos like Santa Clara and San Ildefonso.They studied ancestral Potsuwi'i Incised Ware shards (ca. 1450–1500 AD) from the ancient site of Potsuwi'i across the Rio Grande. This led to a heavier redware style with incised polychrome decoration, evolving into deeper carving by the 1950s.Key early potters include:Tomasita Montoya (1899–1978) — Prolific; known for finely incised redware jars and vases; taught her daughters Dominguita Sisneros (Naranjo) and Rosita de Herrera.

Reyecita A. Trujillo — Large pieces with incised polychrome.

Others: Luteria Atencio, Crucita Trujillo, Gregorita Cruz, and more.

This style remains the signature of Ohkay Owingeh today, prized for its elegant forms and subtle polychrome contrasts.