Martinez, Terasita & Juan – Large Bowl with Carved Clouds (1930’s)

8"w x 5"h

$ 675.00

This is a very scarce early carved bowl by Terasita Martinez.  She was a daughter of noted potter Isabel Pena.   She married Juan Martinez in 1933 and they often worked together on pottery. She also helped her mother with the carving on her pottery.  Terasita’s pottery is very distinctive with a wide shoulder and this piece has a reverse carved cloud design. Most likely it was Terasita who made and polished the bowl and Juan who carved the design. The bowl is highly polished and fired nearly a gunmetal coloration.

Terasita had such a short lifespan that she did not make that much pottery, and even less of it seems to have survived over time.  Over the past 25 years, this is only the second piece of her work we have had in the gallery! Interestingly, we see have come across pieces of her pottery mis-attributed to “Terasita Naranjo”.  However, the carving style and designs are completely different. This jar is signed, “Terasita & Juan”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  For those interested in early San Ildefonso pottery from the 1920-40 period, this is certainly an interesting and rare piece.

Early San Ildefonso Pottery Innovators -1920-1940