Provenance: From the collection of a prominent Washington, D.C. metropolitan area collector of Indigenous art.
Artist: Mary Cain (b. 1915 - d. 2010), Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico
Medium: Hand-coiled, highly polished blackware pottery with carved Avanyu (water serpent) motif
Condition: Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. The natural variations in the firing process enhance its character. This series was made between 1970s and 1980s.
As a collector of Native American fine art, this museum-quality Santa Clara Pueblo wedding vase by Mary Cain (Santa Clara Pueblo) is a meaningful acquisition that embodies Indigenous artistry and craftsmanship. Mary Cain was a highly respected potter, continuing the Santa Clara tradition of deep-carved blackware pottery while refining and modernizing its techniques. Mary Cain's work is featured in the collection of the Canton Museum of Art and has been exhibited in prestigious Native American art galleries, including Andrea Fisher Fine Pottery. Her pieces are highly sought after by collectors and institutions alike, making this wedding vase not just beautiful decor but a significant piece of contemporary Indigenous art history.
This wedding vase is a masterpiece of Santa Clara Pueblo pottery, distinguished by its deeply carved Avanyu (water serpent) motif, highly burnished surface, and traditional blackware finish. Unlike other Pueblo pottery traditions that emphasize painted designs, Santa Clara blackware is known for its high-polish, deep-carved designs and firing techniques that create a distinctive glossy black surface. Cain's signature style is characterized by her expert carving, precise symmetry, and mastery of traditional firing techniques, creating pottery that is both timeless and contemporary. Her work seamlessly blends ancestral Santa Clara Pueblo pottery techniques with a refined modern aesthetic, 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 blackware 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.
Mary Cain's work is deeply rooted in the Santa Clara Pueblo pottery tradition, yet she introduced her own unique refinements, ensuring that this art form remains vital and evolving. Her craftsmanship embodies a seamless blend of tradition and innovation, making her pottery highly sought after for native owned shops, southwestern pottery collections, and American Indian art displays. Whether used as rustic lodge cabin decor, cowboy decor rustic accents, or an elegant Santa Clara vase for cultural art displays, her work reflects the enduring beauty of indigenous artists. As a black carved pottery masterpiece, this Pueblo pottery vase by Mary Cain is a statement of heritage and craftsmanship, treasured by collectors and admirers of Native American art alike.
About the Artist:
Mary Cain (1915 - 2010) was a renowned Santa Clara Pueblo potter, known for her mastery of blackware and redware pottery. She was the matriarch of a distinguished family of potters, including daughters Linda Cain, Tammy Garcia, and Autumn Borts-Medlock, all of whom have continued the Santa Clara pottery tradition. Mary Cain learned pottery-making from her mother, Christina Naranjo, and carried forward her family's legacy while introducing her own refinements in carving and finishing techniques.
Her work has been exhibited internationally and is part of major museum collections, including the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the Heard Museum, and the Millicent Rogers Museum. She received numerous accolades for her contributions to Native American pottery and was known for her deep-carved designs, elegant forms, and high-polish finishes.
About Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery Tradition:
The Santa Clara Pueblo, located in northern New Mexico, is one of the most renowned pottery-producing communities in the Southwest. Santa Clara potters are known for their blackware and redware pottery, achieved through a specialized outdoor firing process that results in either a deep black or warm red finish. The tradition of deeply carved designs, particularly featuring symbolic elements such as the Avanyu (water serpent), represents the Pueblo's cultural beliefs and connection to water as a life-giving force.
Experience the beauty of museum-quality Indigenous craftsmanship with this authentic Mary Cain Santa Clara wedding vase. Visit our shop for more unique Native American pottery and fine art: theclassytea.com