Tonita Roybal remains one of the great innovative names in San Ildefonso pottery.  This is a classic-shaped bowl with a sharp shoulder and sloping side.  The bowl was made and polished by Tonita and painted by her husband, Juan Cruz Roybal.  The sides are painted with alternating interlocking clouds and rain designs.  Juan was famous for his line work and the precision of his painting can be seen on this piece!  The designs accentuate the negative space of the polished surface.  The bowl was fired to a silvery-black coloration.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is signed, “Tonita + Juan” in the clay on the bottom.  The signature indicates it is from the 1930s.

Early San Ildefonso Pottery Innovators -1920-1940