Candelario, Hubert – Melon Bowl with 38 Ribs and Raindrop Opening (1997)

Hubert Candelario is one of the few potters working at San Felipe Pueblo.  This is one of his melon classic melon bowls and has 38 ribs swirling from the rim to the base.  Each rib is carved and starts small, enlarges at the shoulder, and becomes small again.  The top of the piece has his “raindrop” opening.  I remember the first time he tried this on a smaller piece for the gallery and he wanted to experiment with changing the style of his work. The idea for the opening was to appear as if a raindrop had hit the water and it rippled outward.  It was definitely a creative addition to his artistry.  As for the melon ribs, there is a beautiful symmetry that he is able to create with these pieces.  The ribs are round and slipped with a micaceous clay which gives the pieces their coloration and sparkle.  Hubert said he applies five or more layers of micaceous clay to create an even tonality to the surface.  The piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Hubert Candelario”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.