Shupla, Helen – Polychrome Plate with Feather Design (1980)

4.25" diameter

$ 375.00

This is one of the most unusual pieces we have had by Helen Shupla.  She was famous for her carved pottery as well as her exceptional melon jars.  This is one of her few polychrome pieces and one of her few plates. The front and back of the plate are polished red. The rim is slipped with a tan-colored clay.  The center is painted with five different colors of clay to create the plant, mesa, and feather designs. The very unusual part of this is the mauve-colored clay.  Interestingly, it is a clay color that was used in the 1930s and 40s by many Santa Clara potters in their polychrome pottery.  Maybe she had some from her family or came across some to use on this plate?  Either way, it is visually striking and a creative design!  The plate was traditionally fired.  It is signed, “Helen Shupla”.   It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.