San Ildefonso Black-on-black Small Decorated Jar [SOLD]

It is interesting that Tonita Roybal produced such magnificent pottery at a time shortly after the introduction of Black-on-black and before there was general interest in pueblo pottery.  She passed away in 1945, long before there was national interest in collecting pueblo pottery, yet she produced some of the finest blackware between 1930 and 1945 that exists today.  She and Maria Martinez deserve credit for bringing blackware to its highest level of perfection and beauty and the two potters will always be remembered for doing so.

Many collectors are not familiar with the pottery of Tonita Roybal because she passed away so early, but one dealer and collector was an all-time fan of her work.  Richard M. Howard of Santa Fe believed she was probably the finest potter at San Ildefonso in the first half of the 20th century but was overshadowed by fame bestowed on Maria Martinez.  Over a number of years, he put together a collection of perhaps a hundred pottery vessels by Tonita and his collection was displayed and sold by Nedra Matteucci Galleries in Santa Fe in 2007 just shortly before Mr. Howard passed away.

This jar is a wonderful example of Tonita’s workmanship.  It was beautifully formed, expertly polished and decorated and fired in the traditional outdoor firing.  There is a fire cloud on the main body of the vessel below the decorated shoulder, firm evidence of a traditional firing.  The jar is signed Tonita on the underside.  There is a $1.00 original price noted in pencil on the bottom.

Condition: very good condition with very minor scratches

Provenance: from the collection of dealer and collector Richard M. Howard, Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940 by Jonathan Batkin