Provenance: From the collection of a prominent Washington, D.C. metropolitan area collector of Indigenous art.
Artist: Alice Cling (b. 1946), Diné (Navajo Nation)
Medium: Hand-coiled, highly polished Navajo redware pottery
Condition: Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs.
As a collector of Native American fine art, this museum-quality Navajo redware wedding vase by Alice Cling (Diné, Navajo Nation) is an exceptional acquisition that embodies Indigenous artistry and craftsmanship. Alice Cling is one of the most celebrated Navajo potters, instrumental in elevating Navajo pottery from utilitarian forms to fine art recognized in major museums and institutions. Alice Cling's work is featured in prestigious museum collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Heard Museum, and the Booth Western Art Museum. Her pieces are highly sought after by collectors and institutions alike, making this vase not just beautiful decor but a significant piece of contemporary Indigenous art history.
This hand-coiled redware vase is a masterpiece of modern Navajo pottery, distinguished by its deeply burnished surface, rich red hues, and natural fire clouds. Unlike Pueblo pottery, which often features intricate painted motifs, Navajo pottery emphasizes smooth, polished surfaces and fire clouds as a central aesthetic feature. Cling's signature style is characterized by her innovative use of stone polishing and minimalist elegance, creating pottery that is both timeless and contemporary. Her work seamlessly blends traditional Navajo pottery techniques with modern aesthetics, making it highly desirable for collectors and contemporary art enthusiasts alike.
Shipping: Carefully packaged for secure delivery. Insurance included for peace of mind.
International Buyers: Customs duties and import taxes are the buyer's responsibility.
Care Instructions: To maintain the finish of this hand-polished Navajo pottery, gently dust with a soft cloth. If cleaning is needed, use a damp cloth with mild soap. Avoid abrasive materials or soaking to preserve its beauty.
Experience the beauty of museum-quality Indigenous craftsmanship with this authentic Alice Cling Navajo wedding vase. Visit our shop for more unique Native American pottery and fine art: theclassytea.com
About the Artist:
Alice Cling (b. 1946) is a renowned Navajo potter, widely credited with revolutionizing contemporary Navajo ceramics. Born in Cow Springs, Arizona, she learned pottery-making from her mother, Rose Williams, and great-aunt, Grace Barlow. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is part of major museum collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Heard Museum, and the Millicent Rogers Museum.
Her pottery is known for its highly burnished surfaces, deep red and purple hues, and signature fire cloud markings—all achieved through traditional hand-coiling and outdoor firing methods. Alice Cling received the Arizona Indian Living Treasures Award in 2006, further solidifying her impact on the Native American art world.
About the Dine/Navajo Nation:
The Diné (Navajo Nation) have a long tradition of pottery-making, originally creating utilitarian pieces for cooking and storage. However, during the late 20th century, artists like Alice Cling transformed Navajo pottery into a highly collectible fine art form, emphasizing minimalist elegance, smooth surfaces, and deep, rich color variations achieved through outdoor firing techniques.
Alice Cling's innovation lies in her departure from traditional painted designs, instead letting the natural beauty of the clay and fire clouds serve as the decoration. Her hand-burnished surfaces and simple yet elegant forms have defined contemporary Navajo pottery and cemented her legacy as one of the most influential Native American ceramicists of the modern era. Her work represents the harmonious intersection of tradition and modernism, showcasing the timeless artistry of Navajo pottery while embracing a refined, contemporary aesthetic that appeals to collectors worldwide.