Pottery Clay Bird Bowl

Pottery Clay Bird Bowl

This sturdy Pottery Clay Bird Bowl is perfect for holding small items or adding to your pottery collection! The potter shaped this bowl from clay, allowed it to dry, then polished the surface and etched an interior design resembling waves or mountains. The piece was then fired in a kiln deprived of oxygen, a process that gives it its deep black coloration.

With thick walls, this bowl is heavy and durable for its size. It measures 5 inches in diameter and 7 inches long from head to tail. The head stands 3 inches high, while the tail measures 1.75 inches high. On the bottom it is signed Donicia + Juan Tafoya-1973, San Ildefonso.

One of a Kind.

Juan Tafoya (1949-2006) started making pottery in 1970 on the San Ildefonso Reservation.  He learned from his mother, Donicia (1912-1979), who collaborated on pieces with her children.

Black-on-black pottery is a striking style of Puebloan ceramic art, most famously developed by Maria Martinez of San Ildefonso Pueblo in the early 20th century. This technique involves a matte black design painted over a polished black surface, creating a subtle yet dramatic contrast. The process includes hand-coiling the clay, burnishing it to a smooth finish, and then applying a slip to create the design. The pottery is then fired in a reduction atmosphere, where oxygen is restricted, resulting in the deep black coloration. This style became highly sought after and influenced generations of Pueblo potters, particularly in San Ildefonso and Santa Clara Pueblos.

Shop for more Pottery.

Check out more of our Educational Videos on our YouTube Channel.