Tse-Pe, Dora – Red Water Jar with Avanyu and Turquoise (2011)

This is a classic water jar by Dora Tse-Pe.  She learned to make pottery from her mother-in-law, Rose Gonzales, and continued her work in a similar style of cameo carving. This jar has a low, sharp shoulder and elongated neck.  The center above the shoulder is carved with an avanyu.  The avanyu is slipped with mica.  The top and bottom sections are fully polished red.  There is a single inset piece of turquoise for the eye of the avanyu.  The contrast of the micaceous and polished surfaces works perfectly on this jar.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Dora of San Ildefonso”.

Brand

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".