Santa Clara Blackware Bowl, pre-1930’s this piece is unsigned and in a traditional olla or water jar shape but with two handles added.

The smooth, black surface is achieved by polishing the surface with a rounded river stone.  Then firing a second time, smothering the fire and depriving it of oxygen at the end, which turns the clay body a jet black.

Ruby keeps this pot on her living room, grouped with some vintage fine pottery from American and European makers.  As she travels the world she likes to be reminded by those things almost all cultures do…