Timothy Watchman Navajo Large Etched Pottery Vase – 12.5" x 13"

This impressive pottery vase is handcrafted and etched by Timothy Watchman, a member of the renowned Watchman potter lineage from Shiprock, New Mexico—a family tradition celebrated for richly detailed Navajo sand‑painting and pottery. The vase showcases precision‑carved sgraffito geometric motifs, a subtle feather pattern band, and harmonious layers of terracotta, cream, turquoise, and deep black. Its broad, rounded body tapers to a narrower neck, creating an elegant Southwestern silhouette. Fully signed on the base: Timothy Watchman, Navajo. This larger example offers both exceptional scale and signature clarity, making it a distinguished piece within the Watchman tradition.

Condition:
Good condition, with some surface and shelf wear consistent with age and prior display. No chips or cracks noted.

Dimensions & Weight:

• Height: 12.5 inches
• Diameter: 13 inches
• Weight: 5 lbs 13 oz

Please Note: Soup for Scale in Photo

Artist Biography: Timothy Watchman

Timothy Watchman is part of a well-established Navajo art family based in Shiprock, New Mexico, known as the Watchman potters and sand painters. Working in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, members of the Watchman family—including Ernest (Ernie) Watchman Jr. and Derrick Watchman Sr.—have become known for hand‑etched pottery featuring native clay and bold Southwest color palettes.

Traditional Navajo pottery was historically undecorated, but modern potters like the Watchmans embraced sgraffito‑etching, firing clay in open pits with juniper fuel and applying natural coatings for a matte to satin finish—preserving heritage while advancing decoration techniques. 

Timothy’s pieces continue this legacy—showcasing strong craftsmanship, clear signatures, and sophisticated design execution tied to Navajo identity.