Grace Medicine Flower is one of the masterful potters of Santa Clara Pueblo.  She began with sgraffito (etching) technique in her pottery around 1970 and was always creative in her forms and designs.  This is one of her distinctive large black pieces that is fully carved.  The top of the bowl has six swirling melon ribs extending downward.  The side of the bowl is fully carved with triangular and rectangular cloud patterns which circle in on themselves.  Within each of these sections there is a small area which has a carved kiva step pattern.  The entire surface of the bowl is fully polished to a high shine and fired a deep black.  It is a testament to Grace’s creativity throughout her career that each of her pieces is unique and she was always trying to expand her styles and make each piece unique.  The bowl is signed on the bottom in the clay.  It is from 1991.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  While Grace has now retired from pottery, her work remains elegant and stunning!