Keene, Juanita Torivio – Large Bowl with Rainbow Design (1970’s)

8.5"w x 7"h

$ 375.00

Juanita Torivio Keene was a sister of noted potters Frances Torivio, Katherine Analla, Lolita Concho, and Conception Garcia.  She was known for her intricately painted pottery.  This large bowl is painted with a rainbow pattern which encircles the entire piece.  There are additional flower and checkerboard patterns, giving the bowl a very complex design.  The bowl appears to be traditionally fired.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “J Keene”.  There is also her hallmark “arrow” which she either carved or impressed into the inside of the bowl (see last photo).  Interestingly, this is only the second piece of her work we have had in the gallery in 24 years!  The bowl is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Also a note regarding “Juanita Keene” in the Gregory Shaff book.  It shows as two people and yet my research in the US census files shows that they are most likely the same person as she was married to Gus Keene but in the census records a sister of Lolita (Concho) and Frances (Torivio).