Mark Tahbo learned to make pottery from his great-grandmother, Grace Chapella.  His pieces reflect the remarkable symmetry and thin walls of an excellent potter.  This small jar is highly polished in a vertical or, “onion skin” manner.  It was traditionally fired, ranging in color from white to a dark orange.  Mark was one of the pioneers of reviving the “blushes” on Hopi-Tewa pottery and this is a perfect example of how a plainware piece can appear so stunning! It is signed on the bottom “M. Tahbo” and a pipe representing that he is Tobacco Clan.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

Mark told me about his plainware pottery:

“My first plainware pieces were done years ago. I wasnt sure that these would be well received and gallery owner Charles King took a chance with them. They were an immediate hit!  I don’t do very much plainware for it has to be flawless.  The surface has to be free of all dips or air holes and the shape has to be elegant on its own, as there is no design to distract the eye.  The colors achieved on the pots are truly amazing.  Each piece is fired outdoors using sheep dung and coals.  I love it!”