This jar rises off a small base at a steep angle to past its mid-point, continues vertically, and then curves inward to form a shoulder that rises to a short neck. On either side of the pot where the shoulder begins are two slots that allow a leather strap to be inserted so the jar can be suspended.

It’s an unusual configuration. The walls are reasonably thin and there is attractive blushing from the outdoor firing.

Pamela is the younger sister of Mark and Dianne Tahbo, also potters.

Identical abstract butterflies grace each side of the jar. The bodies of these insects look much like an ear of red Hopi corn. Two straight lines (antenna?) form the core of the head, flanked by outward curving crooks with dots (eyes?). The broad wings are in the shape of a three-sided rectangle with the vertical short sides joined to curvilinear lines that merge into the tail. An open black triangle frames the red body, its base joining the curved element of the wings. Below two parallel lines frame four short dash marks. The tail consists of solid black right triangles framing a stippled half circle, three parallel lines jutting downward for the circle. On each wing is a solid red sphere orbited by eleven dashes. These are fancy butterflies.

Perhaps because of their humor, I love folk art designs. This pot delivers.

Purchase History:
Purchased on Ebay 2/11/14 from Doug Watson (“kolbcanyon”) of Birmingham, AL (receipt on file). He purchased it on 11/9/13 from Allard Auctions, Lot #279. Allard did not provide any provenance.