Montoya, Tomasita – 12″ Wide Potsuwi’i Incised Jar with Butterfly Designs (1950s)
$ 1,100.00
This is a large incised jar by Tomasita Montoya. The rim and base are fully polished red. The body of the bowl is incised with interlocking butterflies. Note on this piece that the lines are precise and deeply incised. The incised area was also slipped with mica. Amazingly, the inside of the jar was also fully polished tan (the natural color of the clay). This jar is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Tomasita Montoya”. This is certainly Tomasita at her very best!
This bowl is a classic incised large bowl by Tomasita Montoya. The rim and base are fully polished red. The body of the bowl is incised with a mesa and rain designs. Note on this piece that the lines are precise and deeply incised. The incised area was also slipped with mica. The inside of the bowl was also fully polished tan (the natural color of the clay). This bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Tomasita Montoya”.
“Revival Rising” Ohkay Owingeh Pottery 1930s-60s
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Out of stock
This is a large incised jar by Tomasita Montoya. The rim and base are fully polished red. The body of the bowl is incised with interlocking butterflies. Note on this piece that the lines are precise and deeply incised. The incised area was also slipped with mica. Amazingly, the inside of the jar was also fully polished tan (the natural color of the clay). This jar is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Tomasita Montoya”.
Tomasita Montoya was one of the early revivalists in San Juan pottery. She was one of the original Eight San Juan potters who revived the art form in the 1930s. The Pueblo was renown for their pottery but by about 1890 there were no potters left. In 1930 Regina Cata organized a pottery study group at San Juan Pueblo with the intent of revitalizing pottery production. The group studied ancient potsherds of wares made at San Juan in earlier times and selected Potsuwi‘i Incised Ware (1450-1500) as a basis for a contemporary pottery type.
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Montoya, Tomasita (1899-1978)
Tomasita Montoya was one of the original 7 San Juan potters who revived the art form in the 1930's. Her daughters Rosita de Herrera and Dominguita Herrera learned to make pottery from her.
The Pueblo had a wonderful history of pottery making, but by about 1890 there were no potters left. In 1930 Regina Cata organized a pottery study group at San Juan Pueblo with the intent of revitalizing pottery production. The group studied ancient potsherds of wares made at San Juan in earlier times and selected Potsuwi‘i Incised Ware (1450-1500) as a basis for a contemporary pottery type. By the late 1930s, further development resulted in deeply-carved polychrome wares, and incised wares, both of which are still being produced today.
Tomasita was especially known for her incised red ware jars, bowls, and vases. The decoration on these vessels was primarily fine line geometric hatching. On occasion she utilized micaceous clay, adding some texture and sparkle to the geometric elements. Tomasita also made deeply carved polychrome pieces which included designs of clouds, kiva steps, and plants.