Mesa Verde Black-on-White was produced in the area around Mesa Verde in southwestern Colorado. It is made from a gray to white paste with angular fragments of temper. Vessels usually have a pearly gray-white slip and are painted with carbon black pigment. Zones of pattern are framed by horizontal bands, and are often as black as white, creating the illusion of negative painting.

Characteristics

Paste: Gray to white
Temper: Angular fragments
Surface: Pearly gray-white
Forms: Bowls, jars, pitchers, ladles, mugs
Design: Interlocking stepped patterns and negative-painted designs common.

PITCHER 5-1/2" high Horatio N. Rust Collection LMA 15188

BOWL 6-1/2" diameter Zim Collection LMA 9749

MUG 5" diameter Milwaukee Public Museum Exchange LMA 21063