Navajo M. Vail Horse Hair Glaze of 1980s "Stargazer" Woman Long Hair, Native American Mold Pottery
This horsehair pottery sculpture has an exquisite satin finish. It represents the combination of poured mold ceramics with one-of-a-kind Navajo firing and glaze. The piece started its life as an offering by a company called Sittre Products, which produced poured mold forms during the 1970s and 80s. This was a heyday for artisan markets and a resurgence of bold figural trends in home decor. This particular mold was substantial and featured the profile of an exotic Native American looking woman with long hair; Sittre called it "Stargazer" and described it as "Art Deco" style. The blank mold was then fired and glazed by Navajo Matt Vail, who came from a family known for horse hair firing and glaze. Before I talk about horse hair pottery, just know that this vintage Stargazer mold can and will be found finished in a variety of ways--some painted, others glazed. This particular Stargazer is unique and I would argue is one of the most beautiful to be found. Not only is the horse hair glaze magical; the finish adds a thick satiny roundness to the mold form. Some describe horse hair firing as contemporary yet the Navajo have been firing with horse hair for centuries. It is said that horse hair firing was accidentally discovered when a Pueblo potter's long hair blew onto and instantly carbonized into a piece she was removing from the hot kiln. Fascinated, she tried to replicate the technique with straw and pine needles, and finally, horse hair. The Vail family has specialized in this firing, and their pieces are among the most collectible on the market. This piece was made in the 1980s, and it has the Sittre Products imprint at the base rim of the mold. But the glaze is completely unique to the artist--indeed, horse hair firing will never come out exact--who has signed the bottom. There are some condition issues, specifically scuffs along edges. But given the uneven nature of the glaze, these blend in, and especially with a bit of extra care in polishing and touching up, they will be minimized before sending.
The piece is heavy and large. It measures about 15" tall at the tallest point by about 6" across and 7" deep. Weighs 4.10 pounds. Again, quite a few scuff marks, which I have photographed. I will do a final polish to minimize those to the best degree possible, and the piece will be super well packed for shipping. No cracks nor large chips, although there is a mold air bubble "hole" in the base.
The stargazer--a timeless figure, perfect for today!
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Please convo with questions, or call (505) 369-6865. Will return your call as soon as possible.
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Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-2 business days
Estimated shipping times
- North America : 4 - 12 weeks
- Europe : 6 - 16 weeks
- Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 6 - 16 weeks
- Asia Pacific : 6 - 16 weeks
- Latin America and the Caribbean : 6 - 16 weeks
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
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I gladly accept returns and cancellations
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery
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Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
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Note that layaways past due over 30 days go into default. Once in default the transaction is cancelled and layaway payments are not returnable due to having removed items from the market and losing potential sales.
Convo to talk about a layaway plan that works for your budget.
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Please, no offers. We receive so much correspondence daily that we are unable to respond to offer requests.
We have loyal customers who return again and again and use the repeat customer discount coupon for 10% off. We set fair prices from the get-go. If something is expensive, you know it's good.
We do run sales occasionally, so watch for those. And we value community. Whether you are a returning customer, Facebook friend, or Instagram follower--our thanks to you is 10% off for supporting this shop. Please go to the About section of the main shop page and click on the social media links. Follow us on one of those platforms, convo to say you've done so and we'll send you the coupon code for 10% off.
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