Paul Gutierrez was a grandson of noted potters Lela and Van Gutierrez. He was the son of Luther Gutierrez. He married Dorothy Gutierrez in 1965. Paul began making pottery at age 12. He and Dorothy worked together creating black and red-fired animals and storytellers.  Paul passed away in 2017, but their animals and figures are classics of Santa Clara pottery.  This is a classic nativity set from the 1970s.  It is not just unusual with the polished red areas but the matte tan areas for contrast.  As well, we can tell this piece is from the 1970s when you look at the bottom of each figure. Each one has a hole, so they are all hollow!  Their later work is solid. This was much more time-consuming.  The set has Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, two angels, two lambs, a donkey, a cow, three Wise Men, and three shepherds for a total of 15 pieces!  The Wise Men are holding a bowl, a wedding vase, and a bowl of corn.  The figures are the largest size they made and there is care and precision in each piece.  It was traditionally fired red, which is less common than their black-fired pieces.  Each piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Dorothy + Paul”.  They are each in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.