Isabel Pena was one of the early San Ildefonso potters. This bowl is one of her black-on-black pieces.  It is painted with a stylized rain and mountain pattern.  The jar is highly polished and fired to near gunmetal on the surface.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Isabel”.  It is in good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It has a slight lean to the shape, which might have happened in the firing if it got too so hot that it created the gunmetal surface. Isabel Pena was a granddaughter of Cipriana Pena and a daughter of Tonita Pena (ca 1847-1910) who was known for making large storage vessels. Isabel was the wife of Pasqual Martinez. She was also the mother of noted potters Teresita Martinez and Petronella Martinez. Her great-grandson, Elvis Torres continues to make pottery today.

For more information on the Early San Ildefonso Innovators, Click Here.