de la Cruz, Juan and Lois Gutierrez – “Blue Corn Sisters” Plate

11.5" diameter

$ 2,400.00

Juan Cruz creates complex painted polychrome pottery.  He is a son of noted potter Lois Gutierrez.  Lois made the jar and Juan, who is noted for his illustrations, painted the design using natural clay slips.  This plate is dynamic in the use of the designs all in one scene.  Juan wrote of the scene he painted as follows:

“After their arduous journey, the Blue Corn sisters spoke with Grandmother Spider and entreated her for help.  She provided weapons to the sisters and taught them this song:  Formerly we were Blue Corn Women, now we are Morning Star.  With this song and other aid provided by Grandmother Spider, they were prepared for the forthcoming battle.”

The plate is truly polychrome (more than three colors of clay).  Note the intricacy of the figure and the designs on their shield, dress and even the feathers!  The Morning Star can be seen in the design at the top of the plate.  The description is written on the back of a hand-painted graphic of the four directions.  It is a phenomenal addition to this piece and the painting helps to better understand how exceptional Juan is with his art.  The plate comes with a metal museum mount stand.  While Juan is new to the pottery world, he recently won “Best of Pottery” at Gallup Ceremonials in 2017 and has been featured in articles in Cowboys & Indians Magazine and Native Art Magazine in 2018.