Tse-Pe, Dora – Black & Sienna Bowl with Bear Lid and Turquoise (1991)

Dora Tse-Pe learned to make pottery from her mother-in-law, Rose Gonzales.  She was renowned for her beautifully formed and highly polished pottery.  This is one of her classic pieces from 1991.  It is a highly stone-polished bowl and a fully polished bear lid.  The bowl is two-toned sienna around the rim.  The bear is sienna on the back.  On the top of the bear is a single inset piece of turquoise.   The bowl and lid create a striking contrast of colorations and form.  It is simple and yet a classic for San Ildefonso pottery.  It is signed on the bottom, “Dora of San Ildefonso” and it is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.