These are a pair of black-on-black candlesticks by Juanita Gonzales.  They are from the 1930s. They each have a flat base and square sides.  The base is painted with a rain design.  The sides are painted with rain and lightning designs on the sides near the top.  The designs are the same on each candlestick.  Only one is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Juanita”.  They are in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It’s always surprising when items like candlesticks, which are often used, remain in such great condition.  They are a testament to the utilitarian creativity of the potters at various times, creating new non-Pueblo forms to create a new market for their clay art.

Early San Ildefonso Pottery Innovators -1920-1940