Hopi Black and White on Red Bowl by Nampeyo, c.1910

Description

Nampeyo (1856-1942) made this red-slipped bowl in the mature period of her career, about 1910. The bowl’s original, abstract geometric design resembles a flower or a sun, and juxtaposes four alternating curvilinear “petals” with four inverted triangle designs. These inverted triangle designs typically appear as glyphs on the exterior rim of Nampeyo’s bowls, and they are similarly repeated on one side of the exterior of this bowl, referencing the design on the inside of the bowl. The bowl measures 3″ height and 9 3/4″ diameter, and is in excellent original condition without repair. This is an excellent example of Nampeyo’s red-slipped pottery, as well as her original, abstract geometric designs.