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 negative space carved terraces or mountain steps. It is deeply carved and has the early red coloration.   As well, 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 28 years, this is only the third piece of her work we have had in the gallery and the only red one!  Interestingly, we have come across pieces of her pottery misattributed to “Teresita 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