Tse-Pe, Dora – Brown and Red Bowl with Bear Lid (1990s)

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 the late 1990s.  The bowl is a highly stone-polished bowl and a fully polished bear lid.  The bowl and lid were fired black and then two-toned sienna and brown.  It is a striking coloration.  The top of the bear has a single inset piece of turquoise.  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.  

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Tse-Pe, Dora (1939-2022)

Dora Tse-Pe learned to make pottery from her mother-in-law Rose Gonzales. She began making her own pottery in the late 1970's. Her work continues to be inspired by the shapes and styles of Rose's pottery yet with Dora's distinctive high polish. Her pottery is signed on the bottom in the clay, "Dora Tse-Pe". Dora has won numerous awards for her work at Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum Indian Fair and her pottery can be found in numerous books, including "The Art of Clay" and "Legacy of Generations".