Claw, Silas and Bertha – Large Bowl with 12 Cows, Donkeys, and Horses (1990s)

This is a large open bowl by Silas Claw and Bertha Claw.  Bertha would make the pottery and the applique designs were applied and painted by Silas.  They began working together in 1968. This is one of the larger pieces we have had of their work. It is an open bowl and fully polished on the inside.  The outside has 12 animals, four cows, five donkeys, and three horses, all in relief.  They are presented as if they are each looking forward through a fence.  It is a complicated and rather charming piece of their pottery!  The piece was traditionally fired so that there are fire clouds on the clay surface.  The colors were often oil paint applied after the firing to give the pieces a more “realistic” appearance. The piece would then be coated with varnish or a more traditional pinon pitch.  This vase is signed, S. B. Claw” on the bottom.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.