(Sorry, I forgot to upload this exceptional pitcher to the “Leaning Pitcher” Show). This is a superb example of early 20th century San Ildefonso pottery pitchers. It is slipped to the base, a design choice common to just a few known potters at San Ildefonso in the first quarter of the 20th century. It is straight, stately and masterful in in all ways. Thinly potted and light, it is a master class in potting excellence.
I am cautiously attributing this to Dolorita Montoya. Dolorita was a dress-maker and potter at San Ildefonso in the early 20th century. She died young in 1918 in the flu epidemic of that year. She didn’t sign her pottery, but was known for excellence. She was one of just a few potters who tended to slip white all over the pot. Her designs were beautifully executed and often resembled fabric designs. She tended to decorate in the interior and this jar exhibits double interior rim framing lines as well as simple undulating line. See Batkin’s Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico, page 54 for a photo of Dolorita with samples of her work.
Attributions are guesses only despite the best intentions of dealers or collectors. So I wish I could have been there when this pitcher was made to thank Dolorita or whoever made this beautiful ceramic.
Condition is very good with an inconsequential rim chip; otherwise unrestored.