Montoya, Tomasita – Carved Polychrome Bowl with Rain and Lightning (1960s)
$ 200.00
This is a classic carved bowl by Tomasita Montoya. She was one of the early revivalists in San Juan pottery. The bowl is polished red on the rim and base. The center section is deeply carved with cloud, rain, and lightning designs. The deeper carved designs became more prominent in Ohkay Owingeh pottery in the late 1940s and ’50s. The bowl is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. It is signed, “Tomasita Montoya”.
Tomasita was one of the original eight San Juan potters who revived the art form in the 1930s. The Pueblo was renowned for its 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.
“Revival Rising” Ohkay Owingeh Pottery 1930s-60s
Out of stock
This is an oval carved bowl by Tomasita Montoya. She was one of the early revivalists in San Juan pottery. The bowl is polished red on the rim and base. The center section is deeply carved with cloud patterns and incised with rain designs. The deeper carved designs became more prominent in Ohkay Owingeh pottery in the late 1940s and ’50s. The bowl is in very good condition with no cracks, restoration or repair. It is signed, “Tomasita Montoya” on the bottom.
Tomasita was one of the original Eight San Juan potters who revived the art form in the 1930s. The Pueblo was renowned 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.