Mata Ortiz, Mexico, Black Polished Jar [SOLD]

The predecessor for today's contemporary Mata Ortiz pottery is the prehistoric Casas Grandes pottery of Mexico.  The credit for its revival is due solely to a Mata Ortiz native named Juan Quezada.  His village is only about 15 miles from the ancient village where he found potsherds of the prehistoric wares and only about 70 miles from New Mexico.

Quezada collected these ancient potsherds, studied them and decided he could replicate those wares from the prehistoric era.  After much studying and experimenting, Quezada did exactly that.  Once mastered, he taught neighbors and friends the techniques and a new industry was born.

This black seed jar has the most beautiful highly polished finish of the finest wares.  Few potters can achieve such a finish.  The jar is truly spectacular.  It is signed with the name Lopez.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: from the Katherine H. Rust collection