Tonita Roybal remains one of the great innovative names in San Ildefonso pottery.  This wide bowl is coil-built and fully polished on the outside. There are two painted lines around the rim.  At the shoulder, there are rounded cloud designs. The bowl was fired to a silvery-gunmetal coloration.  In the 1920s, Tonita would achieve this coloration by firing her pieces very hot.  Today, Russell Sanchez is one of the only potters who is still able to achieve this distinctive coloration in the same manner!  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is signed, “Tonita” in the clay on the bottom.  The signature indicates it is from the mid-1920s.

Early San Ildefonso Pottery Innovators -1920-1940