Southwestern Pottery Still Life with Kachina and Bird Motifs
Original painting or high-quality decorative print on marbleized paper • Signed J. Loma; likely a contemporary Indigenous American artist or a Southwestern regional artist in that style
Style & Movement
Contemporary Native American/Southwestern Decorative Art
Medium & Technique
Gouache or mixed media on marbleized paper; features flat application of pigment and graphic linework
Creation Period
Late 20th century, circa 1980-1995
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (sight size); horizontal landscape format
Subject Description
A still life composition featuring two polychrome ceramic vessels. The smaller jar depicts a Kachina figure, while the larger vessel displays a bird motif (likely a parrot or turkey). The arrangement is set within a geometric decorative border on a textured background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the artwork appears well-preserved under glass with no visible fading or moisture damage
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $450 USD (depending on whether it is an original gouache or a limited edition print)
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a gallery in the American Southwest or an interior design retail source; private collection
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the late 20th-century trend of 'Southwestern Style' which popularized traditional Hopi, Zuni, and Acoma pottery motifs in a modernized, two-dimensional fine art format suitable for residential interiors.
Notable Features
Signature 'J. Loma' in the lower right; unique use of marbleized paper as a background substrate to mimic the texture of stone or natural plaster.
Condition Issues
Minor scuffing on the wooden frame; glass reflection suggests it is not museum-grade UV glass, risking long-term light exposure damage.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional reframing with acid-free matting and UV-protective glass to prevent future fading of pigments and degradation of the paper support.