One of a Kind Offerings from the Fire
AUTHENTICALLY made using wild materials and practices.
Click on photos for an enlarged view. Items SOLD have RED text but remain posted for reference.
Place orders through the "Contacts" page, using the product #. Additional purchasing arrangements will be made by email.
Sales tax, shipping and insurance will be added when applicable. All "one of a kind" pieces come with a Letter of Certification.
Curious about some of the attributes involved in price determination, read July 2015 article "What's it worth?" in the News tab.
- Order of Appearance -
"New Releases" Black-on-White Redwares Greywares/Corrugation
Followed by High Plains Cord Impressed -Woodland/Upper Republican
MAKE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR MY "OCCASIONAL" NEWSLETTER ON THE CONTACTS PAGE!
Ancestral Puebloan Pottery
"New Releases"
#349 Corrugated Jar
Jar has 66 rows of left thumb "Karrish" pinch. The fingerprint impressions left on ancient sherds, was the clue I needed to master this pinch. Perpendicular to the rim with just the slightest hook one way... but not the other. Love this one, especially it's Mesa Verde egg shape.
11" tall x 10" wide
SOLD ($550)
#347 Corrugated Jar
A simple little jar with 22 rows of left thumb "Johns" pinch and the slightest eversion to the rim. Here I learned a new pinch but also played with a new clay. Got so lucky with the colors. Soon I will be using this clay in much larger pots. (What a pretty bottom!)
4" tall x 4.75" wide
$85
#350 Corrugated Jar
Jar has 74 rows of left thumb "Karrish" pinch. This jar is testament to perseverance and endless observation to authentic sherds and pots. Notice the three sections of plain rows. A decorative touch added to the ancient world. Well fired with lovely fire clouds. Feeling Blessed
11" tall x 10.5" wide
SOLD ($600)
#345 Corrugated Mug
A little rustic mug with iron influenced gold tones and carbon clouds. The fire sure signed the bottom of this one. Makes the clockwise spin of the spiral even more pronounced. Mug has 23 rows of right thumb pinch.
3.5" tall x 5.25" wide with handle
$100
#333 Corrugated Pitcher/Mug
This piece has 24 rows of left thumb "High Wave" pinch, producing a spiral effect that runs up to the rim. This Southeast Utah clay has just the right amount of natural grit for corrugation.
4.5" tall x 5.5" wide with handle.
$135
#348 Corrugated Jar
Wow - smoke clouds!! Has 49 rows of left thumb "Domino" pinch. The pinch is named for a ruin in Upper Grand Gulch and a spiritual experience I had there. "Domino" gets me through when clay pinches go awry. This jar developed a small fine line crack in the base during the firing, which has been filled and tinted. Look closely, you MIGHT be able to find it..
8.5" tall x 7.5" wide
$300
#339 Corrugated Jar
41 rows. This pot represents the learning of the "Karrish" pinch (See big jars above.) Thankful for the shoulders of experience this pot gave to it's descendants. An added plus, it's soundly fired and beautifully marked. This ones the website deal.
7.25" tall x 6" wide
$200
#334 Effigy Handle Corrugated Mug
This mug with an animal perched on the side, peaking over the rim (hmmm... what animal is it?) was found near the Arizona/Utah line. Subtle warms and cool tones of the fired clay, lets the effigy have the spotlight. Has 22 rows of "High Wave" pinch.
4" tall x 5" wide with handle
Sold ($150)
Black-on-White
#338 Walnut Black-on-White Large Bowl
Reference: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
What makes this piece is the design!!! Black paint has begun to lighten from the super hot kiln. The white slip which is shrinking at a higher rate than the body clay, has crazed (zoom in). Intentionally left the outside rustic and rough. No cracks and rings like a bell. 4.25” x 10”
$400
#329 Rattle Handle Ladle
Reference: commission from authentic ladle bowl portion
This piece was commissioned. The mineral on the original was not black but a tannish brown. Thankfully I have tested over 50 different wild found minerals and was able to pick one that would come close. I applied it intentionally to smear and I let the white slip craze and crackle, given the appearance of age. With this piece a new found love for the look of ancient has risen in me. Also notice the black vitrified line on the back. Happened in the kiln, something in the wood. Maybe it's the original artists signature. 5" bowl width x 13.5" long
SOLD
#337 Pueblo II Ladle
Reference: Bowl portion of authentic ladle
Mineral paint, more common in earlier periods, has its own set of challenges. You want it to apply evenly, you want it to stick to the slip and you want it to turn black in the trench kiln atmosphere. Trial and error and success. The handle's three perforations keep it from exploding during firing process. Very white slip, has shadows of the underlying clay showing in places. To me replication means letting the materials be wild and applied in a primitive fashion.
4.25" bowl width x 11.25" long
$250
#330 Pueblo II, Rattle Handle Ladle
Reference: Bowl portion of authentic ladle
Beads of clay rattle in the hollow handle of this large ladle. The six topside perforations keep the handle from exploding during the firing process. The terraced steps in a modified scroll pattern appears in both the bowl and the handle. Ladles are tough to fire due to the small connection of clay between the bowl and handle. Got lucky, this one is perfect.
5.25" bowl width x 14" long
(Sold) $350
#328 Mesa Verde Rattle Handle Ladle
Reference: commission from authentic ladle bowl portion
Beads of clay rattle in this hollow handle which also has horns of clay on the end. Maybe used for hooking on the edge of a pot. The handle's three perforations keep it from exploding during firing process. Classic banded Mesa Verde design. Ladles are tough to fire due to the small connection of clay between the bowl and handle. This one is perfect and nearly a twin to #327
4.75" bowl width x 12.5" long
SOLD
#327 Mesa Verde Rattle Handle Ladle
Beads of clay rattle in this hollow handle which also has a loop of clay on the end. The handle's four perforations keep it from exploding during firing process. Classic banded Mesa Verde design. Ladles are tough to fire due to the small connection of clay between the bowl and handle. This one is perfect.
4.75" bowl width x 12.5" long
SOLD ($350)
#336a McVerdian Black-on-White Bowl
Reference: A sherd in Southeast Utah
Had to design this complete layout, staying true to the time period, off a couple of square inches. Sometimes it's just ends perfect. 4" x 9.5"
Keeping this one for myself for now. But after I love on it awhile, may let it go. Message me ;)
#343 Lizard in the Corn Bowl
This bowl was made to test a new clay and how it would perform in the firing process.
But of course I had to give it some lizard (of the period) bling. High pitch ring. Bowl formed a few 1/4" rim cracks as it was getting really hot. All have been filled. 3" x 5.5"
SOLD
#332 Ladder Handle Ladle
Reference: Sherd in Southeast Utah
Other than the portion of the one we found, only know of one other. Such a unique handle. Mineral for paint and white slip both harvested within walking distance of the sherd. Well fired and rings like a bell.
1.75" x 8"
$200
#342 Turtle Bowl
The main purpose of this bowl was to try out a new clay with characteristics I normally don't use. Notice the warping in the bowls roundness.
2" x 6"
SOLD
#337a Mesa Verde Miniature Mug
Reference: Colorado History Museum, Denver, CO., #0.439.1
Little dots travel around the entire mug on a stepped trail. Maybe footprints? Love miniature mugs. This one is quite special.
2" tall x 3" with handle
SOLD ($100)
#340 Tusayan Bird Vessel
Reference: Papers of the Peabody Museum No.38, 7615-S, Room 303
The form and painted design put this piece in a class of its own. Head form resembles a turkey. Even the stylized wings bring to mind the T-shape symbolism of the time.
3.5" x 4.5"
SOLD ($250)
#344 Tusayan Bird Vessel
Reference: Papers of the Peabody Museum No.38
Fragments of several birds were found. This one complies some of those bits. Amazingly fired showing off this beautiful white slip from northeast Arizona. 3" x 5.5"
$200
#335 Gourd Scoop
Reference: Early 1900's photo. No provenience
This form is rare overall but most commonly seen in the early Pueblo periods. My personal found mineral paint is loosely applied. Whites are stunning and opaque with slight shadows of the underlying clay. High fired. 2.25" x 7" wide
SOLD ($150)
#326 Mesa Verde Bowl
Reference: Mesa Verde National Parks Museum
Tumbling triangles, bold and simple, make a statement both in positive and negative space. Super whites. Black paint was just starting to burn off as the kiln was smothered with dirt.
4.5" x 10.25"
SOLD ($400)
#324 Mesa Verde Bowl
Reference: Online Photo from a early Smithsonian collection, Mesa Verde. What a design of celestial orbs, flowers or eyes? Rim flatness and ticking set the Period. Beautifully fired with a couple exterior fire clouds. Kiln was hot enough to warp it out of round a bit. 3" x 6.75"
SOLD ($250)
#275 Pueblo III, Mesa Verde Bowl Reference: Earl Morris, Site 41, La Plata Valley
What drew me to this bowl was not the perfectly placed black triangles BUT the white framing lines that set each one off. Site 41 was a special place producing exceptional pottery. The bowl developed a 1" fine line, rim hair crack in the firing that has been repaired. Does not affect the integrity of the piece. 3" x 8"
$300
#287 Pueblo II Bowl
Reference: On display at the Mesa Verde Par Museum.
It was a tedious day painting these 38 ducks, simply because each one is so unique. I was determined to replicate them accurately. Not my job to tell the story but simply to pass it on.
And I fell in love with them all. Hate to sell this one. It fired beautifully. Nice size. Super blacks.
3.75" x 9.75"
$500
#288 McElmo "Knobby Knee" Bowl
Reference: Anasazi Heritage Center
Figures, both human and animal, give a quick glimpse into past thoughts of what was important, what was sacred and spiritual. This bowl was recovered at the Knobby Knee Stockade in Southwest Colorado. Absolutely a fine replication. 3" x 7.25"
Sold to the most deserving person, Moki John!

#246 Mesa Verde Bowl
Reference: Mesa Verde National Parks Museum
Notice that the stepped cloud pattern on the inside rim is not symmetrical. If intentional, why? Bird motif is iconic to the area and shows up occasionally on pottery. Bowl is slightly smaller than the original. Cleanly fired. Beautiful Blacks and Whites.
4" x 8.5”
SOLD
#153 Gallup Black-on-White Bowl
Reference: Online auction site, private collection from the 40's
The linear geometric designs adorning the inner walls of this bowl are so finely painted in ferrous red mineral and then reduce to black. Fired at the Southwest Kiln Conference 2015, Safford, Arizona
4" x 9.25"
Personal Collection
#180 Black Mesa Black-on-White Bowl
Reference: Brooklyn Museum, Expedition of 1903.
The Black Mesa type is from the Northern Arizona area. The design on the bowl speaks volumes of the ancient artist's talent. Zoom in to see the "ticks" decorating the tips of the scrolls. Superbly fired and super beautiful. 3.5" x 8.25"
SOLD
#111 Mesa Verde Black-on-White Bowl
Reference: Aztec Ruin, Aztec, New Mexico. Original excavated by Earl Morris.
Large bowl, very nice. Whites are clean. Slight burn out/lightening of the blacks. Well made and one of my favorites. 5.25" x 11"
SOLD
#252 8 "Eyes" Pitcher
Reference: Mesa Verde Museum - on display
Everyone gets enamored by the highly decorated and detailed pieces of the PIII period. But to some artist, with her yucca brush in hand, this felt like enough... and it is. Well fired with a small amount of kiln carbon on the whites. 4.5" tall x 5.25" wide with handle
SOLD
#218 Pitcher with Black on White Geometric Design, 900-1300.
Reference: Brooklyn Museum, New York
Absolutely a beauty, both the original and the replication. Perfectly fired. The slip is unctuous and smooth. The blacks are strong on one side and start to "ghost" (get lighter from the extreme kiln heat) on the other. 8.5" tall x 7" diameter.
SOLD - ($500)
#256 Chaco Style Pitcher
Reference: Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
Such creative design work. The lizard is fantastic BUT a corn maiden butterfly too! And like the mug below, one of my early experiments with reducing mineral paint to black. Still some things to learn from this one, but stay posted as it will become available at a later date. 5” x 4.5”
SOLD
#184 Chaco Black-on-White Pitcher
The original was taken from Room 326, Pueblo Bonito, and appears in N. M. Judd's papers. A fantastic design that screams Chaco Canyon. Rings like a bell and truly Black-on-White. Undoubtably one of the best pieces I have ever made. 5.25" x "6.5" including handle.
SOLD ($400)
#282 Chaco Jar
Reference: Pueblo Bonito
Of the nearly 200 hundred Chaco jars known, the average size is 4.25" x 9.5". This one, just slightly smaller, has strap handles that set a bit lower, nearly mid point. Some slight smudging on the side that faced down in the kiln. Structurally sound.
3.75" x 8.75"
$300
#293 Chaco Jar
Reference: Pueblo Bonito
How the design migrates around the jar but still continues to interlock perfectly makes one realize the capability of the master artists of the ancient world. This jar is slightly grey and sadly developed a fine line crack about 1" long coming down from the rim during firing. It has been repaired and nearly invisible. A really pretty jar.
4.5" x 10.75"
SOLD
#206 Mesa Verde Mug, PIII
Reference: Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, Blanding, Utah
Replication. Fascinating that the original artist started on one side of the handle with a grid of 132 squares and ended on the other side with only 49. It's possible that we share the trait of beginning a project with elaborated expectations. 3.75" x 5.75" with handle
SOLD ($400)
#215 Mesa Verde Effigy Mug
Reference: Photo in the Salt Lake Tribune, original piece from S.E. Utah
This little mug, maybe for a child, is so much more than special with a four legged animal standing on the handle. Perfectly fired. 3" x 4.5" with handle
SOLD ($250)
#207 PII Black-on-White Mug
Reference: Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, Blanding, Utah
This design just speaks to me. Reminds me of birds flying... migration? north or south? I replicated it to the dot sequence on the handle. I feel it is my responsibility to not judge or try to understand the intention of the artist, but simply to pass it on. For the time being... I am keeping this one. But could make you one just like it.
Personal Collection, NFS
#216 Large Mesa Verde Mug
Reference: Photo in the Salt Lake Tribune, original piece from Four Corners area
Think of the time and dedication it took not only to lay out this design but to paint it as well. Luckily the firing gods were happy and cleaned up all the little tiny specks of white. Quite an accomplishment in an open air trench firing. 5.75" tall x 6" wide with handle
SOLD ($450)
#113 McElmo Black-on-White Canteen
Replication: Aztec Ruin, Aztec, New Mexico
Nice grapefruit sized shape. Warm oxidized tones around rim. Original found while digging a ditch near the ruin. Dated 1100 -1400 A.D. 4.25" x 4.5"
SOLD ($285)
#278 Flat Ladle Reference: Online photo. Provenience unknown
Love the "hairy lizard" and while painting the bowl interior, it occured to me that this pattern probably represented dried cob corn. I suspect this lizard was always in the corn stash and so the story is told. Some interesting coloration. Strong and well fired.
4.5"wide x 9" long
SOLD
#283 McElmo Effigy Seed Jar
Reference: Colorado History Museum, on display
Beautifully painted shape with a tiny head and a "feathered" tail. A special place to store anything of value, especially next years seed crop. Whites are clean and the piece has a nice sheen.
3.75" tall x 5.25" wide (not including head and tail)
$150
#220 Mancos B/W Effigy Container
Reference:
Birds, birds, birds - The ancient world is full of their images on rock and ceramic. Parrots, carried hundreds of miles from southern tropical areas, must have had a great importance. Incredibly smooth and well balanced replication. 5" x 5.5"
NFS at this time

#042 Black-on-White Bighorn Effigy
Reference: Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, Blanding, Utah
The actual piece was found by a hiker only a few years ago. It's a pitcher, being completely hollow inside. Notice the cloven hoof and the little upward curled tail. When I replicate, I try to get the piece as near to exact size as possible (challenging because both air drying and firing, shrink the piece) and paint it as they did. Notice that each side is slightly different, one having six "staircases", the other seven. Also the "staircases" always descend from upper left to lower right, on both sides. Easier to paint that way IF you are right handed. 2.75" x 6.75" x 8.75" Pueblo II
Personal Collection
Redwares
#297 Black-on-Red Jar
Seed jars held the most important things... like next years planting seeds. The deep red Chinle formation slip shows areas of greenish-yellow on the bottom where oxygen was sparse. Common to see this in ancient pieces as well. 3.25" x 5.5"
$100
#314 Gourd Pitcher
Gourd inspired ladles and pitchers show up in late Basketmaker as well as early Pueblo periods. Usually not slipped, this one was my excitement to try out a new found clay. Burnished up super shiny. Love the profile on this piece.
5.5" x 4.25" with handle
$200
#320 Feather Box
Reference: Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Feather boxes are quite rare. Only know of a few of which all but one are redwares. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science list this as Abajo Red-on-Orange. 1.5" x 5.75"
SOLD
#315 Feather Box
Reference: Online Auction
Tucked in kiva wall niches, left with feathers inside, one has to wonder the value of these tiny round boxes. The auction claims this piece is from the Four Corners area but actual provenience is lost.
1.5" x 5.5"
SOLD
#322 Deadman Black-on-Red Ladle
Reference: Canyon of the Ancients Museum, Dolores CO
Only slipped in the interior. The deep red/orange sets the black mineral paint off stunningly. I intentionally left the handle and backside a bit gritty because that is how the original is as well.
1.5" x 5.5"
SOLD ($150)
#316
Reference: Edge of the Cedars Museum, Blanding, Utah
The most vibrant slip I have found in southeast Utah, set the background for the rim centered design. Great when all the searching is rewarded with the best materials around. 3.75" x 5.75"
SOLD ($225)
#321 Feather Box
Reference: Artist Inspired
Another wild slip clay that amazed me in the fire. Fires pinkish orange with a yellow blush... or visa-versa. Each end of this box has an endless scroll, while a beaded design drapes the mouth of the jar. Can't wait to play more with this clay.
2.5" x 4.5"
SOLD
#317 Abajo Red-on-Orange Bowl
Reference: Canyon of the Ancients Museum
The dark red Corn Maiden, complete with hair whorls and long lizard like legs, completely fills the bottom of this bowl. Finding this exact body clay was a challenge. Love the direct simpleness of these early redwares.
3" x 7"
SOLD ($185)
#323 Abajo Red-on-Orange gourd pitcher
Reference: Alkali Ridge, J.O. Brew excavations, Site 13
Piece is not slipped and has many haphazardly applied zig zags of hematite. The natural smear of the bright red dust, brings vibrancy to the entire piece.
4" x 5.75"
SOLD ($125)
Greywares
#312 Small Corrugated Jar
Jar has 26 rows of right thumb "High Wave" pinch! This jars is similar to #308 & #311 but gave the pinch my own personal twist. Finally I can do this... seeing the wave.
4.5" tall x 4" wide
$90
#310 Corrugated Jar
Jar has 32 rows of left hand index finger pinch often seen in Mesa Verde jars. The exact placement of the pinches takes hours to get just right but when achieved gives the illusion of weaving, letting your eye get lost in the diagonal lines both left and right.
5.5" tall x 4.75" wide
SOLD ($185)
#233 Corrugated Mug
Corrugation, most commonly used in cooking jars, also appears in unique forms such as bowls and mugs which occasionally have a coating of white slip. 15 rows of pinching. Structurally sound and rustic. Artist Inspired
3" x 4.5" with handle
$50
#197 Corrugated Mug
Reference: Earl Morris Memorial Collection, Museum of Natural History, Boulder, Colorado
Corrugation, most commonly used in cooking jars, sometimes appears in unique forms such as bowls and mugs. This piece was intentionally smudged, making it look as though it had been used. 3.5" x 4.5" with handle
SOLD ($100)
Plains Pottery
#242 Transitional Period Cooking Jar
Between the Early and Middle Ceramic Period on the Plains, approximately 1000 A.D., a somewhat transitional pot appears with a much smaller, receding conical bottom and a more pronounced incurving rim. Left leaning cord impression. Beautiful coloration.
8.25" x 8.75"
($150) SOLD
#241 Plains Woodland Cooking Jar
Inspiration: Early Ceramic Period sherds from Eastern Colorado
Conical bottom, straight rim and left leaning cord impression. Jar developed a short fine line crack coming down from the rim during firing, which has been repaired. Nearly unnoticeable. Love the warm gold colors mixed with the grays on this piece.
8" x 12.5"
SOLD
# 200 Early Ceramic Plains Woodland
This piece, made completely authentically on the Plains of Eastern Colorado, was featured in my Youtube video (see link on the "Home" page of this website.) Fired to the right temperature, in the right atmosphere, producing the right color and no cracks!!! The best of my Plains Woodland jars so far.
10" x 15"
Personal Collection
#146 Classic Plains Woodland Jar
Inspiration: Early Ceramic Period sherds as well as the 12" section of a conical bottom in the Ft. Morgan Museum collections. Conical bottom, straight walls and cord impressed. This is a BIG BIG pot which matches the dimensions of the original. Over a thousand years ago this would have existed on the prairie. Amazing. The firing gods painted this one real pretty as well.
12.5" x 19.5"
SOLD - On display at the Ft. Morgan Museum, Ft. Morgan , Colorado
#105 Upper Republican Cooking Pot
Replication: Donovan-Hobbs-Lewis Canyon vessel, Sterling, CO., Middle Ceramic Period, 990-1260 A.D. Cord impressed, rounded bottom, collard rim with four horizontal incised line designs. Oxidized with smoke clouds. Nice pot representing a slightly more sedentary plains people. 7.5" x 8.5"
NFS
#082 Early Ceramic, Plains Woodland Vessel
inspired by multitudes of sherds and the base portion of a similar vessel at the Ft.Morgan Museum, CO. Strong conical bottom, straight walls, and no shoulders. Cord impressed and low fired in a limited oxidation atmosphere. As far as I know, there are only "pieces" of this particular type of vessel from the Plains. The ratio of height to width was determined using existing reference jars from the same culture/time period, found in Western Nebraska and Kansas, determining the overall size.
This substantially large jar was possibly used for cooking the marrow from the long bones of Bison as well as rendering visceral fat. The pointed bottom helps the pot stand upright when pressed into a bed of coals, cord impressions keep the outside surface of the pot cooler to touch and possibly help the clay walls to withstand the temperature variations of open fire cooking. All of which is the artist's opinion. :)
THIS IS THE POT THAT STARTED IT ALL
11.5" x 17.5" - Personal Collection