Isabel Pena was one of the early San Ildefonso potters. This bowl is one of her black-on-black pieces.  It is painted with an angular mountain pattern.  The bowl is highly polished and boldly painted.  The bowl is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Isabel”.  It is in good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. The rim is at an angle, which seems to be something I’ve seen in several of her pieces.  Isabel Pena was a granddaughter of Cipriana Pena and a daughter of Tonita Pena (ca 1847-1910) who was known for making large storage vessels. Isabel was the wife of Pasqual Martinez. She was also the mother of noted potters Teresita Martinez and Petronella Martinez. Her great-grandson, Elvis Torres continues to make pottery today.

Early San Ildefonso Pottery Innovators -1920-1940