Carmelita Dunlap (1925-1999) Pueblo, San Ildefonso Blackware Pottery Jug Jar. One her own unique forms, using traditional techniques and forms but with an opening at one point of the mouth like an abstract spout. Signed on the underside. 

Size: 16 x 16 x 12 in. 

Carmelita Dunlap was born in 1925 on the San Ildefonso Pueblo, and was raised by Desideria Sanchez and Maria Martinez after her mother, Juanita Vigil, died when she was eight. She learned to make pottery from her aunts and began making her distinctive vessels in 1955, known not only for her complicated designs but the large size of her pottery and for developing a firing technique that produced the sunrise brown color that has since become her family’s speciality. She was also the matriarch of a family of potters including children Martha Appleleaf, Carlos Dunlap, Cynthia Star Flower, and grandson Erik Fender. Carmelita won numerous awards for her pottery at events such as Santa Fe Indian Market and Gallup Ceremonials before her death in 1999. Her pottery can be found in museums across the country including the National Museum of the American Indian and the Denver Art Museum. 

  • Condition:

    All items are sold AS IS. Lot and condition details are for descriptive purposes only. Sarasota Estate Auction is not responsible for errors and/or omissions of condition. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is perfect or free from wear, flaws, or characteristics of age. Please bid according to your own expertise, or request any additional information and/or photographs you deem necessary.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

BIDDER MUST ARRANGE THEIR OWN SHIPPING. Although SEA will NOT arrange shipping for you, we do recommend our preferred shipper Premier Shipping & Crating at [email protected]
You MUST email them, please do not call. If you'd like to compare shipping quotes or need more options, feel free to contact any local Sarasota shippers. You can email any one of the shippers below as well. Be sure to include the lot(s) you won and address you would like it shipped to.
Brennan with The UPS Store #0089 - 941-413-5998 - [email protected]
AK with The UPS Store #2689 - 941-954-4575 - [email protected]
Steve with The UPS Store #4074 - 941-358-7022 - [email protected]
Everett with PakMail - 941-751-2070 - [email protected]

by Sarasota Estate Auction
June 14, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
522 South Pineapple Avenue
Sarasota , FL, US 34236

Sarasota Estate Auction

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 33% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $249 $25
$250 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,499 $100
$2,500 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $19,999 $500
$20,000 $49,999 $1,000
$50,000 $99,999 $2,500
$100,000 $249,999 $5,000
$250,000 $499,999 $10,000
$500,000 + $25,000