Blue Corn (1921 - 1999) - San Ildefonso  NEW

Blue Corn was masterful in her creative use of design and form. This large plate has an unique design which is very intricately painted on the polished surface.  The design has two sections which are very small feathers which are turned at an angle.  There are lightning, rain and kiva step patterns.  Note that the design is broken into multiple sections, which is unique for he work. It is exciting to see such a creative use of such traditional designs!  The back is also fully polished and it is matte in the area where it is signed in the clay. The plate is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  This is certainly a creative and dynamic piece which is a testament to her skill and creativity.  In 2008 she was posthumously awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" by SWAIA.  She is also featured in the book, "Pottery by American Indian Women".

11" diameter                 

$2800.00

        Blue Corn (1921 - 1999) - San Ildefonso   

Blue Corn was renown for her classic style pottery at San Ildefonso Pueblo.  While she revived her own style of polychrome pottery, she also created stunning blackware.  Here are three pieces of her classic black pottery.  On the left is a highly polished long neck jar which has been carved around the shoulder.  The design is a water serpent (avanyu) which encircles the jar.  The bowl in the center is also very highly polished and has a rain and mountain pattern.  The small bowl on the right is a miniature and has a mountain pattern painted onto the polished surface.  All four of these pieces are in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  They are both a testament to her skill as an potter and a reflection of her being posthumously awarded the 2008 "Lifetime Achievement Award" by SWAIA.

Left:         Black Carved Jar with Avanyu                      6"w x 7"h                $1800.00

Center:    Black Bowl with Rain Pattern                       4.5"w x 2.5"h          $600.00

Right:      Miniatures Bowl with Mtn. Designs            2"w x 1.5"h             $250.00

     Jarrod Da (b. 1973) - San Ildefonso   NEW

These two paintings by Jarrod Da are done using pastel on paper.  Jarrod continues to create innovative new paintings, with a fascinating blend of Pueblo and modern imagery.   On the left is "Sun Bear", which has the bear and a sun face in the design above.  The bear is a classic form and a heartline, representing the heart as the center of the bear.  Behind the bear is traditional prayer feather design.  On the right is a beautiful painting which is entitled, "Mimbres Fish".  Jarrod has taken a classic Mimbres inspired fish and made it the center of the painting.  The fish is painted to be on the surface of a jar with a mosaic design near the base of the jar.  However, the coloration lends itself to the appearance of the fish being alive in a jar. Stepping back further, it is almost as if one is peering out past the jar and the fish towards the mesas behind. The coloration derived from the pastels is superb on this painting.  Take a closer look at the fish and the detail in the body!  As well, he has inset a single piece of turquoise.  Note as well the balance of the square mosaic tiles and the fluid form of the fish, jar and the design on the neck of the jar!   Jarrod Da is the son of noted potter Tony Da, the grandson of Popovi Da and a great-grandson of Maria Martinez.  Although raised in a family renown for pottery, Jarrod is making his artistic skills known through his painting.  His work combines both modern contemporary themes and traditional imagery.  His paintings are made with soft pastel and are a wonderful balance of design and classic imagery.  Jarrod is certainly a young artist to watch with his use of such a distinctive medium and an analytical eye for interpreting the world he paints.  We look forward to seeing more of his creative and distinctive work!

Original Pastel on Paper

Left:            "Sun Bear"                          11" x 8.75"                $300.00 - SOLD

Right:         "Mimbres Fish"                  13.5" x 17.5"             $800.00

Jarrod Da is the son of noted potter Tony Da, the grandson of Popovi Da and a great-grandson of Maria Martinez.  Although raised in a family renown for pottery, Jarrod is making his artistic skills known through his painting.  His work combines both modern contemporary themes and traditional imagery.  "I learned to live my life by merging the two worlds of a contemporary lifestyle with the native way of life.  The complex patterns and colors of the natural world influence my artwork." His paintings are made with soft pastel and are a wonderful balance of design and classic imagery.  This painting is among his first to incorporate turquoise stones along with his intricate designs.  On the left is "Dust Storms and Seeding Dandelions".  It is a wonderfully painted piece with a beautiful flow of design.  There are two dandelions, which are made up of traditional San Ildefonso plant imagery. On the right is a feather pattern "sun" with a single piece of turquoise set into the center.  On the lower right is a quail, again with classic imagery in the center of the body.  There are several close ups of the designs, reflecting how much detail he is able to create using pastel!  Jarrod is certainly a young artist to watch with his use of such a distinctive medium and an analytical eye for interpreting the world he paints.  We look forward to seeing more of his creative and distinctive work!

Original Pastel on Paper

16" x 21.5"           

$850.00 - SOLD

   Tony Da (1940 - 2008) - San Ildefonso

Tony Da was certainly among the most innovative and transformative Pueblo potters of his generation.  He was the son of noted potter Popovi Da, and the grandson of Maria Martinez.  His pottery career spanned only about one decade, from the late 1967 to about 1982.  He was among the first to begin etching into the surface of the pottery (sgraffito), adding stones, hei-shi and then began creating all matte carved vessels.  His pottery today is considered to be among the most sought after by collectors and museum alike. This is an unique piece of his later black and sienna pottery.  While he only fired the gunmetal pieces with his father, Popovi Da, he did fire some blackware pieces in the late 1970's.  They are typically a darker black in coloration and not gunmetal like the earlier pieces.  This bowl is from 1978-9 and the top part is sienna in a star pattern.  There is the classic "halo" of the black and then a darker black for the remainder of the bowl.  What is distinctive is the design.  The imagery is a deer track, but it is painted onto the surface of the bowl, not incised into the clay.  While Tony painted lines on his plates, he rarely painted designs on the surface of his pottery.  This bowl has four deer tracks which are painted on the bowl in each of the sections.  It almost seems to be an optical illusion when looking at the bowl that they are painted and not incised!  The bottom is signed into the clay "DA".  This bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  What a classic example of Tony's form and design!  A group of Tony Da's pottery and paintings are currently on exhibit at the Museum of Indian Art and Culture (MIAC) in Santa Fe.  The exhibit is entitled, "Creative Spark: The Life and Art of Tony Da"  and continues through December 2011.

4.25"w x 2.75"h

SOLD

     Tony Da (1940 - 2008) - San Ildefonso   

Over the course of a career that spanned from 1967-82, Tony helped change the world of Pueblo pottery.   He was among the first to begin etching into the surface of the pottery (sgraffito), adding stones, hei-shi and then began creating all matte carved vessels.  His pottery today is considered to be among the most sought after by collectors and museum alike. He was the son of noted potter Popovi Da, and the grandson of Maria Martinez and learned to make pottery from Maria. This beautiful bowl is highly polished and a deep red coloration.  The design is an avanyu (water serpent) which is etched into the clay.  What is distinctive and unusual about this bowl is how he used the turquoise.  Note how it is inset into the tongue of the Avanyu, instead of the back as might be expected.  As well, notice how the area around the stone has been etched, making the use of the stone very purposeful in the overall design!  This bowl is elegant and both form and design.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  What a stunning and important addition to any collection!  A group of Tony Da's pottery and paintings are currently on exhibit at the Museum of Indian Art and Culture (MIAC) in Santa Fe.  The exhibit is entitled, "Creative Spark: The Life and Art of Tony Da"  and continues through December 2011.

5"w x 4"h

SOLD

Tony Da was famous for his intricately etched pottery as well as his unique abstract paintings.  While he was unable to continue making pottery after his accident in 1982, he did a few additional paintings along with an original serigraph.  The serigraph was an edition of 150 and was based on one of his earlier painting.  A serigraph is created with a silkscreen process, so each piece is an original as the paints are applied and it is run through the press.  This serigraph was entitled, "Fetish Bear" and was printed in 1995 and each piece was hand signed and numbered by Tony Da.  There are two versions of the serigraph.  One has additional turquoise stones added and is without the turquoise stones.  The ones with the turquoise have a single stone in the center and 16 smaller stones on the mountain design surrounding the bear.  We are lucky at the moment to have one of each type in the gallery.  Both serigraphs are in perfect condition.  They are certainly a fascinating addition to any collection!  Tony Da's pottery and paintings will be the focus of an upcoming exhibit entitled, "Creative Spark: The Life and Art of Tony Da" at the Museum of Indian Art and Culture (MIAC) in Santa Fe beginning in February 2011!

Left:        Serigraph with turquoise            21" x 21"        $1200.00 - SOLD

Right:     Serigraph w/o turquoise             21" x 21"         $850.00

Erik Fender is the son of Martha Appleleaf and the grandson of noted potter Carmelita Dunlap.  Erik combines classic San Ildefonso imagery with his own creative style.  This is a traditional style canteen which is highly polished and painted with a water serpent and cloud patterns.  He has used a green clay slip to paint the designs, which creates a beautiful contrast to the black polished surface. The neck of the canteen is a micaceous clay slip.  Erik added the leather strap on the handles.  The painting on this canteen creates a striking appearance with a strong visual contrast of the matte to the polished surfaces.  Erick has won numerous awards for his pottery and continues to be one of the young innovators from San Ildefonso pueblo!

7"w x 5.25"h

$600.00

Adam Martinez (1904 -  2000) & Santana Martinez (1909 - 2002) - San Ildefonso    NEW

Santana and Adam Martinez are names recognized as continuing the artistic legacy of Maria Martinez.  Adam was the eldest son of Maria & Julian Martinez.  He worked on pottery with his wife, Santana, who was from the Roybal family, noted for their paintings.  Before she began working with Adam Santana also painted the designs on Maria's pottery from the 1940's through the 1956.  These two outstanding pieces of their pottery are both from the late 1970's. The jar on the left is a beautiful shape with a slightly indented shoulder and a feather pattern is painted around the body of the piece.  The piece on the right is one of their few wedding vases. The design is a feather pattern around the shoulder. It is interesting that the piece must have been fired very hot, as it is a very metallic gunmetal on one side and a dark black on the other!  There are some very light blisters in the clay near the handle on the gunmetal side.  Both pieces are signed on the bottom in the clay "Santana & Adam".  They are both in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Their work can be found in museums throughout the country and they were major award winners at events such as Santa Fe Indian Market. 

Left:            Jar with Feather Pattern                            4.25"w x 4"h              $800.00

Right:         Wedding Vase with Feather Design      5"w x 5.5"h                $850.00

Adam Martinez (1904 -  2000) & Santana Martinez (1909 - 2002) - San Ildefonso    

Adam Martinez was a son of renown potter, Maria Martinez.  He worked on pottery with his wife, Santana, who was from the Roybal family who were noted for their paintings.  Santana also painted the designs on Maria's pottery from the 1940's through the 1950's.  Here are two stunning pieces of their pottery.  On the left is an open bowl which is a simple and elegant piece of their pottery. The entire surface of the bowl is polished, both front and back and the signature is signed into the clay on the back of the piece.  It is highly polished and has a metallic feel to the coloration from the firing.  The bowl on the right is highly polished with a rain pattern painted on the surface.  The bowl is signed on the bottom in the clay.  Both pieces are from the mid 1970's and it is in perfect condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Definitely a testament to simple beauty of their pottery forms and polishing skill! 

Left:            Plainware Plate                        8"w x 1.5"h                $975.00

Right:         Bowl with Rain Pattern          4"w x 2.5"h                $700.00

Maria Martinez (1887 -  1980) - San Ildefonso   

This bowl is a classic style of Maria's early pottery.  It has a round shoulder and wide feathers as the design.  It was only in this early period when Julian painted the wider feathers.  These are distinctive with the use of small dots down the side of each feather.  The piece is signed "Marie" in the clay on the bottom, which identifies it among her earliest work dating from 1920's. While the bowl was made by Maria, it was then painted by her husband, Julian Martinez (1897-1943).  During this earliest period of their work, Julian's designs are among his most creative and innovative.  The bowl is in great condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. There are some small slip cracks near the base.  It is exciting to find a jar of this creativity in such great condition!  For more information on Maria Martinez, Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" is certainly the authority on her pottery.

8"w x 6.25"h

$3200.00 - SOLD

Maria Martinez (1887 - 1980) - San Ildefonso   

This bowl is a classic shape for Maria's pottery with a round shoulder.  It is from the late 1930's.  It was made and polished by Maria and painted by her husband, Julian Martinez (1897-1943).  The design is a classic rain and storm pattern which encircles the shoulder of the bowl.  It is signed on the back in the clay, "Maria + Julian". It is in good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  There are various light surface scratches mostly below the shoulder.  Smaller pieces are always a wonderful way to add a piece of Maria's pottery to a collection! For more information on Maria Martinez, Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" is certainly the authority on her pottery.

6.25"w x 4.5"h

$2200.00

Maria Martinez (1887-1980) & Santana Martinez (1909-2002)

                            Signature "Maria & Santana" 1954-1956

   Maria Martinez (1887 -  1980) - San Ildefonso   

This large jar is from the late 1950's.  It is a classic shape with an elongated neck and wide shoulder.  The jar is perfectly polished and the feather pattern descends from just below the rim to the the edge of the shoulder.  There are three painted lines which extend around the shoulder of the jar.  However, while the shape and design are well matched, it is the nearly gunmetal coloration of the firing which is so striking! The jar is simply perfect and almost seems to glow.  The jar was made by Maria and painted by her daughter-in-law, Santana.  It is signed on the bottom, in the clay, "Marie + Santana".    It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  This jar is certainly a significant piece by on of the most important Pueblo potters to a collection!  For more information on Maria Martinez, Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" is highly recommended.

8"w x 8.5"h

$6500.00

Maria Martinez (1887 -  1980) - San Ildefonso   NEW

This plate is one of the iconic patterns of Maria's pottery. The plate is from the mid-1950's and it was made by Maria Martinez and painted by her daughter-in-law, Santana.  It is signed on the back, in the clay, "Maria + Santana".  The plate has a feather pattern which extends from around a central medallion to near the rim.  The plate has a beautiful coloration, near gunmetal, from the firing.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  This is certainly an exciting piece by Maria Martinez, and a visual expression of her impact and creativity in Pueblo pottery!  For more information on Maria Martinez, Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" is highly recommended.

6" diameter

$1400.00

                Maria Martinez (1887-1980)

                Signature "Maria Poveka", Circa 1956-1965

Maria Martinez carrying her famous "two water serpent" polychrome jar on her head, postcard

Maria Martinez (1887 -  1980) - San Ildefonso   NEW

Maria Martinez was renown for the elegant form and high stone polished surfaces of her pottery.  Throughout her career, it was her husband Julian, daughter-in-law Santana and son Popovi Da who painted the designs.  In the 1950's Maria made a series of pieces which were plain and signed with her Tewa name, "Maria Poveka", as Poveka means Water Lilly.  This bowl is a a classic shape for Maria's pottery with the slight shoulder sloping up to the rim.  The bowl has a wonderful black coloration from the firing.  The bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  This is certainly an elegant example of her pottery in form, polish and firing.  For more information on Maria Martinez, Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" is highly recommended.

3.75"w x 3.25"h

$1200.00 - SOLD

Maria Martinez (1887 -  1980) - San Ildefonso   NEW

Maria Martinez was renown for the elegant form and high stone polished surfaces of her pottery.  Throughout her career, it was her husband Julian, daughter-in-law Santana and son Popovi Da who painted the designs.  In the 1950's Maria made a series of pieces which were plain and signed with her Tewa name, "Maria Poveka", as Poveka means Water Lilly.  This is one of the small plain plates.  It is simple but elegant with no design but a highly stone polished surface.  It is signed on the back in the clay.  The plate is in good condition with some light surface scratching, but no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is certainly a classic example of her pottery polish and firing.  For more information on Maria Martinez, Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" is highly recommended.

6" diameter

$600.00 - SOLD

   Maria Martinez (1887-1980) - San Ildefonso  NEW

This bowl is a wonderful shape which Maria often made when working with her son, Popovi Da.  It has a very round form and lends itself beautifully to a painted design. As with her other work, the vessel itself was made and polished by Maria, and then it was painted by her son, Popovi Da  (1923-1971).   On this piece the design is a water serpent (avanyu) which encircles the piece.  When Popovi painted them, they had a very sharply painted horn on the head and there are always at least four humps to the back of the avanyu, representing the four directions.  This bowl is highly polished to a glassy appearance and fired a deep black color.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, "Maria - Popovi 964".  The number is a firing date indicating the piece was fired in September 1964.   The bowl is in very good condition, with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  The pottery of  Maria is a reflection of the history of the Pueblo and the innovation of the artists. It is interesting to see how far the black-on-black style had evolved from its origination in the 1920's and the work created in the 1960's.  We highly recommend Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" for more information on Maria Martinez and Popovi Da.

4"w x 3"h

$3000.00

   Maria Martinez (1887-1980) - San Ildefonso  NEW

This bowl is a perfect balance of Maria's form and the painted designs of Popovi Da.  This piece is a late example of their pottery and Maria made and polished the bowl while it was painted by her son, Popovi Da  (1923-1971).  The bowl has a very glassy, dark black stone polished surface.  The design is a feather pattern in two sections and a rain and terrace pattern on the other two sections.  This is a classic design which was originated by Julian (Maria's husband) and then continued throughout the years.  The bowl is signed on the bottom in the clay, "Maria Popovi 770". The firing date is when the pottery was made, so this bowl was from July, 1970.  It was only a year later that Popovi passed away.  The bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Finding piece by Maria and Popovi of such elegance of design, high shine and in nearly perfect condition, is always exciting and a great addition to any collection!  We highly recommend Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" for more information on Maria Martinez and Popovi Da.

5"w x 3.25"h

$4000.00

   Maria Martinez (1887-1980) - San Ildefonso  NEW

Simple perfection!  This  small jar is a stunning piece of gunmetal fired pottery by Maria and her son Popovi Da.  It is highly polished and perfectly painted feather pattern encircling the bowl.  Note how the design is painted to accent the shape and neck of the jar.  The vessel itself was made and polished by Maria, and then it was painted by her son, Popovi Da  (1923-1971).    It is signed on the bottom in the clay, "Maria Popovi 266". The firing date is when the pottery was made, so this bowl was from February, 1966.  The firing on this bowl is a very high gunmetal color with a metallic appearance across the surface.  It is in spectacular condition, with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Finding piece by Maria and Popovi of such elegance of design, high shine and in nearly perfect condition, is always exciting and a great addition to any collection!  We highly recommend Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" for more information on Maria Martinez and Popovi Da.

4"w x 3.5"h

Stunning!  It is not often that we come across such an elegant and perfect piece of gunmetal fired pottery by Maria and Popovi Da (1923-1971).  In fact, it has been several years since we have had a piece this large and this beautifully fired come through the gallery.   This jar was made by Maria and it is a classic shape with a wide shoulder and gently sloping neck.  The piece was polished by Maria and painted by her son, Popovi Da.  The design is a feather pattern which extends from the rim to the shoulder.  Typical of Popovi's painting, the lines are perfect and there are four bands around the shoulder.  Popovi is known for the metallic or "gunmetal" coloration achieved in some of his firings.  It is was his ability to consistently achieve a gunmetal appearance on his pottery for which he achieved addition fame.  Take a closer look at either of the image and note the beautiful color of the clay and the precision of the painting.  Simply perfect!  This jar is signed in the clay on the bottom, "Maria / Popovi 766".  This means that is was fired in July, 1966, very much at the height of his developing his firing technique as the next spring Maria, Popovi Da and Tony Da would be in Washington, DC for the famous "Three Generations" exhibit.  This jar is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Finding piece by Maria and Popovi of such elegance of design, high shine and in nearly perfect condition, is always exciting and a great addition to any collection!  We highly recommend Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" for more information on Maria Martinez and Popovi Da and their families

Maria Martinez (1887-1980) - San Ildefonso   

It is exceptional to have two pieces of the "sienna" pieces of pottery by Maria Martinez and Popovi Da!  It is among the most unique and rare variations of her pottery! The pieces were made and polished by Maria, and then painted by her son, Popovi Da  (1923-1971).  So, why is the "sienna" coloration so unique and rare? It was created when Popovi Da decided to take a piece of pottery and fired it black and the re-fire it a second time to create the beautiful "sienna" coloration.  It took a while for the process to be exacted and the correct coloration to be created.  It also add risk to the survival of the piece, especially a plate, where the more times it is subjected to the heat, the more likely it is that it will break.  The jar on the left is beautifully painted by Popovi Da with a water serpent as the design. Note how the design is painted to accent the shape and neck of the jar! The avanyu has four humps (representing the four directions) and seems to simply glide across the highly polished surface.  The water serpent design was originated from a story where the avanyu (water serpent) saved the village from a flood. That is why they are usually painted surrounded by clouds and water.  The piece is signed, "Maria - Popovi 1164", meaning that it was fired in November, 1964.  This jar is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is certainly a significant and important piece, reflecting the impact Maria and Popovi Da had, and continue to have, on the world of Pueblo pottery.  We highly recommend Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" for more information on Maria Martinez and Popovi Da.

6"w x 5"h                   

$19,000.00

Tonita Roybal (1892 -  1945) - San Ildefonso     

This is a spectacular and historically important early black-on-red jar by Tonita Roybal.  She was one of the  early pioneers in reviving San Ildefonso pottery.  This jar is a stunning shape with a narrow base and round shoulder.  It creates the appearance and feel of a small storage jar with such perfect proportions!  Prior to 1919 and the discovery by Maria and Julian Martinez of the black-on-black process, Tonita had focused on this classic style of painting. The imagery her is crisp and the lines amazingly even.  The fineline patterns perfectly contrast to the solid lightning and rain patterns.  Today, there are almost no San Ildefonso potters who attempt to create this historically significant coloration.  This jar by Tonita is testament to her skill as a potter and her creativity as a painter of complex designs.  The jar is signed in the clay on the bottom, "Tonita".  That dates the jar prior to 1930, when she began to sign them with her husband Juan.  There is such a small amount of her work around and often in much smaller sizes and rarely seen in the black-on-red coloration.  Even during her short lifetime Tonita was recognized as a significant potter with even Maria saying of her work in 1922 at the first Indian Market, "this is Tonita's - she makes the best pottery of all, I think". This jar is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is a beautiful blend of history and creativity in San Ildefonso pottery!

9"w x 7.25"h

$4200.00 - SOLD

    Russell Sanchez - San Ildefonso     NEW

Few potters have the artistic ability combined with the technical expertise to create pottery of such extraordinary beauty.  On the left is an early piece of Russell's work from 1985.  It is a beautifully etched plate with a water serpent (avanyu) as the design.  The piece has been fired black but the rim has been two-toned to be tan.  There is also a single inset piece of turquoise for the eye of the avanyu.  The bowl on the right is from 1997 and it is fully polished with a green clay slip and there is a single medallion which has a micaceous clay slip.  The medallion has an incised bird with a cloud pattern and the head and tail of the bird both extend out from the central area!  There is a single band of shell hei-shi beads that encircle the medallion and create the contrast between the polished and micaceous clay surfaces.  Both pieces are in perfect condition and are a wonderful reflection of how Russell's pottery has evolved over time.  Russell's pottery can be found in numerous museums, including the Heard Museum and the Denver Art Museum.  He has won "Best of Pottery" at Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum Indian Markets.  Russell was also featured in the Fall 2007 issue of Native People's Magazine and on the front cover of "Southwest Art Magazine".

Left:            Black and Sienna Plate with Avanyu                6.25" diameter                $1800.00

Right:         Green Bowl with Mica Medallion and Bird     3.5"w x 3.25"h                 $1600.00

   Russell Sanchez - San Ildefonso    

Russell Sanchez continues to be one of the true innovators in Pueblo pottery.  Each piece is perfectly coil built, stone polished and etched.  These two pieces reflect the variety of styles in his pottery.  The jar on the left is one of Russell's classic "mountain scene" vessels.  He has sculpted and texturized the rim and used a red clay slip.  There are brown polished angular mountains and near the base are highly polished red bears.  The bears are stylistically incised into the clay with additional fish around them.  The jar is an amazing use of various layers and textures to tell a story in the clay.  The jar on the right is from 2001-2 and has six carved panels encircling the shoulder of the jar.  Three of the panels are polished red and have an inset piece of turquoise.  The other three are polished with a natural green slip and each has an incised animal, either deer, antelope or ram.  The base is polished tan and the neck is a matte slip which is a mauve colored clay. The lid is polished red and again has a single inset piece of turquoise.  There is only one band of very thin hei-shi which encircles the jar just below the shoulder.  The contrast of colors and the simplicity of the designs is striking.  The hei-shi beads used in Russell's pottery are all handmade by the Calabaza family of Santo Domingo pueblo.  Russell's pottery can be found in numerous museums, including the Heard Museum and the Denver Art Museum.  He has won "Best of Pottery" at Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum Indian Markets.  Russell was also featured in the Fall 2007 issue of Native People's Magazine and won "Best of Pottery" at the 2009 Heard Indian Market!

Left:        Jar w/ Incised Bears & Mtn. Scene                           5"w x 5.75"h                    $5200.00

Right:     Lidded Jar with Deer/Antelope/Ram Designs       5.5"w x 7.5"h (w/ lid)     $6500.00

Tse-Pe Gonzales (1940 - 2000)  - San Ildefonso     NEW

Here are two striking and innovative pieces by Tse-Pe.  He was the son of noted potter Rose Gonzales and she taught both him and his wife, Dora Tse-Pe, to make pottery.  They were also innovators for their time, and were featured in 1976 in the pivotal book, "7 Families in Pueblo Pottery".  On the left is a jar which has a micaceous neck and the remainder of the piece is fully polished.  It has an incised bear as the central design and there is an inset piece of turquoise for the eye and a larger piece set above the hear.  The jar is a striking blend of matte and polished surfaces.  It is signed on the bottom with his TP hallmark and the year, 1998.  The large jar on the right is an interesting collaboration of his work.  Tse-Pe worked with a variety of potters over the years to make his vessels.  This jar is made by Peruvian potter Lucho Solar.  He is known for his large vessels which are beautifully polished.  Lucho made and stone polished the jar and Tse-Pe incised a bear medallion on the front.  There is a single inset piece of turquoise for the eye.  The colors on the jar are beautiful and it is one of the only collaborative pieces of their work I have seen.  The piece is signed, "TP " and "e Solis".  Both pieces are in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  

Left:            Jar with Bear and Turquoise            3.5"w x 4.5"h                 $800.00

Left:            Jar with Bear and Green Rim          6"w x 6"h                        $900.00

Tse-Pe Gonzales (1940 - 2000) & Dora (b. 1939) - San Ildefonso     

Here is a large polished terraced or kiva bowl made in 1978.  It is classic shape and one that is reminiscent of the traditional shapes found at the pueblos.  It is technically a difficult form to create so that it doesn't crack in either the drying or firing stages.  This bowl is fully polished on the outside and matte on the inside.  Tse-Pe was the son of noted potter Rose Gonzales and she taught both him and his wife, Dora, to make pottery.  They were also innovators for their time, and were featured in 1976 in the pivotal book, "7 Families in Pueblo Pottery". It is in perfect condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  The bowl is signed in the clay on the bottom, "Tse-Pe and Dora".  Their work remains historically important to any collection!

8"w x 6"h           

$1800.00