Isabel Atencio was a daughter of Nicolasa Montoya (the aunt who taught Maria Martinez to make pottery) and a sister of Rayita Montoya, Santana Montoya and Alfredo Montoya (the first husband of Tonita Roybal). Among her children, Gilbert Atencio is known primarily for his paintings. Her daughters Helen Gutierrez and Angelita Sanchez are both well-known potters.  This bowl is a classic piece of her pottery.  It is round shape and fully polished.  It is painted with birdwing and cloud designs. It is fired a deep black.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Belle”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.