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, 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: Lorraine Williams
Date: ca. 1992
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
/
Luce Foundation Center
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3rd Floor
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28B
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: plant material
clay
Mediums Description: fired clay with piñon pitch and slip
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Subjects: 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.