This is a tightly painted bowl by Jacob Koopee. The piece is coil-built and stone polished.  It is painted with bee-weed (black) on the top.  The top has a large star pattern that is filled in with thin lines.  Inside the bowl is a hand design that he would often use in his pottery.  It is surrounded by a red clay.  The bowl was traditionally fired to create the blushes on the surface.  It is signed on the bottom, “Koopee” along with his flute player hallmark.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  However, there is some fugitive or rubbed areas along the side.  It may be that the piece was sitting on the edge to show off the central design.  I have priced the piece to accommodate for the wear, but there are no structural issues with the bowl.

“I have been making pottery for about six years now (starting in 1990). I am well noted for making enormous pieces. I also put a lot of kachinas on my pottery. My passion of art in pottery has made me realize the importance of sharing it with others. Mainly with the younger generation.  I collect my own materials, I make my own clay, mold my pots (hand-coiled), make my own paint (from wild mustard), paint with yucca brushes, and fire with sheep manure. I will continue this tradition and keep the children and grown-ups educated on the undying art of pottery, just like my grandmothers did!!” Jacob Koopee, Jr,, Spoken Through Clay