Pot with Incised and Cut-out Decoration

Lorraine Williams, Pot with Incised and Cut-out Decoration, ca. 1992, fired clay with piñon pitch and slip, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1997.124.182
Copied Lorraine Williams, Pot with Incised and Cut-out Decoration, ca. 1992, fired clay with piñon pitch and slip, 13 3⁄8 x 14 3⁄4 in. (34.1 x 37.6 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1997.124.182

Artwork Details

Title
Pot with Incised and Cut-out Decoration
Artist
Date
ca. 1992
Location
Dimensions
13 3⁄8 x 14 3⁄4 in. (34.1 x 37.6 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
fired clay with piñon pitch and slip
Classifications
Keywords
  • Abstract — geometric
  • Object — other — vase
Object Number
1997.124.182
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1997.124.182

Artwork Description

Lorraine Williams carves Navajo symbols into the surface of her clay pots. The geometric pattern on this pot may have been inspired by traditional basket designs, which often include zigzags and triangles. Williams originally applied plant dyes to the surface of her clay pieces. Her father disapproved, however, because these were the same dyes used in ceremonial face painting, so she now uses commercial pigments.