Montoya, Tomasita – Polychrome Bowl with Clouds and Square Opening (1960’s)

6.5"w x 4.75"h

$ 450.00

This is a classic carved bowl by Tomasita Montoya.  She was one of the early revivalists in San Juan pottery. This jar is both incised and carved.  The rim and base are both fully polished red.  The mouth of the bowl is square in shape and pushed in on the sides.  The sides of the bowl are incised with clouds and rain patterns.  It is a creative and tightly designed bowl.  Note how the incised areas are slipped with red clay and the clouds are highlighted with white.  Definitely a striking piece by Tomasita!  The bowl is in excellent 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.

https://kinggalleries.com/revival-rising-ohkay-owingeh-pottery-1930s-60s/