Lela Gutierrez began making pottery in the 1930s with her husband, Van Gutierrez.  After Van passed away in 1956 she continued to make pottery with her son, Luther Gutierrez.  She would make the pieces and Luther would paint the designs.  They worked together for only 10 years from 1956 to 1966.  This small bowl is flat sides and a square shape. The bowl is painted with an avanyu on two sides, and birds on the opposite two sides.  All the various colors are derived from natural clay slips and painted onto the piece before it was fired.  It is signed on the bottom, “Lela/Luther”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair but some light surface scratches.

Brand

Gutierrez, Luther (1911-1987)

Luther Gutierrez

Luther Gutierrez (1911-1987) was a son of noted potters, Lela and Van Gutierrez. He began painting his mother's pottery in 1956. They worked together until 1966, and then he began painting the pottery of his sister, Margaret. Their pieces are signed, "Margaret/Luther." Over the years they won numerous awards for their distinctive polychrome pottery.