Da, Tony – Matte Bear with Turquoise, Coral, and Mother-of-Pearl (1978-9)
This is a large bear by Tony Da. Tony’s bears are certainly among his more iconic forms. Each bear is coil-built like a bowl but sculpted to create the legs. This bear was made around 1978-9 and it matte and a larger size for his work at this time. The matte surface is on that Tony created so that it would have a texture like suede. These pieces are beautiful to hold! There are four large seed designs that are carved into the side and back of the bear. The are inset with coral, turquoise, and Mother-of-Pearl Shell. There seven rows of hei-shi beads on the back along with an arrowhead. The bear also has a heartline that is slipped with red clay. The bear was traditionally fired and then the stones and beads were added. It is signed, “DA”. The bear is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. Tony Da had a short career that spanned from 1967-82. Tony began making bears as early as his first show in 1967 at Gallup Ceremonials, and over time, they evolved into more sculptural forms.
This is a striking red polished bear by Tony Da. Tony’s bears are certainly among his more iconic forms. This piece has an incised heartline that is symbolic of the strength of the bear. Each bear is coil-built like a bowl but sculpted to create the legs. This bear is fully polished red. The inside of the legs are matte. The bear has several interesting design aspects that are unusual. The first is the two bear paws etched into the back of the bear. It helps us to date the pieces from around 1972-3. There are four inset pieces of turquoise set into the back of the bear. Note how flush they are with the polished surface, which is a technically amazing part of Tony’s design and technique. Finally, the ears on the bear are matte. I have only seen three bears now that have matte ears, and they are all very similar in style. As is often the case with Tony, he would experiment, try something out technically or visually, and then move on. I think it is the bear paws and the matte ears that make this bear so special and unique. The bear is signed, “DA” on the leg and the piece is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. Tony Da had a short career that spanned from 1967-82. Tony began making bears as early as his first show in 1967 at Gallup Ceremonials, and over time, they evolved into more sculptural forms.
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Da, Tony (1940-2008)
