A sculptural bird-form vessel in deep, glossy black, signed on the base Rito Talavera Quezada of Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico. The head and beak rise from one side, a swept wing ridge runs along the body, and a short collar rim opens at the back. The surface is polished to a soft, mirror-like sheen, and a band of incised geometric decoration wraps the shoulder in rows of fine chevrons, hatched triangles and dotted borders.
Mata Ortiz is one of the most admired contemporary pottery traditions in the Americas, known for hand-built, hand-polished vessels inspired by the ancient Casas Grandes potters of northern Mexico. At 12" long, 10" wide and 8" tall, this piece stands comfortably on a console, mantel, shelf or coffee table as a stand-alone sculpture with real collector appeal.
*Era: Vintage
*Origin: Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico
*Material: Polished blackware pottery
*Size: 12" x 10" x 8"H
*Color: Glossy black
*Condition: Vintage condition, sound, with light age-appropriate wear; signed on base
This signed Mata Ortiz blackware bird effigy pot is inscribed on the base Rito Talavera Quezada. It measures 12 inches long, 10 inches wide and 8 inches tall, with a polished black surface and incised geometric bands around the shoulder. It is a collectible sculptural piece from Chihuahua, Mexico, available from DE-COR in Pasadena with trade pricing for designers.
Q: Who is Rito Talavera Quezada?
A: He is a potter from the Mata Ortiz community in Chihuahua, Mexico, known for polished blackware with sculptural animal forms. He is part of the Quezada family of potters, whose relative Juan Quezada helped launch the modern Mata Ortiz movement. This piece is signed with his name on the base.
Q: How is Mata Ortiz pottery made?
A: Mata Ortiz pottery is traditionally built by hand from coiled local clay without a wheel, polished with stones and fired outdoors, which is how the black surface develops. We haven't verified the firing method for this specific piece, but its polished surface and fine incised decoration are consistent with that tradition.
Specifications
- Era: Vintage
- Origin: Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico
- Artist: Signed Rito Talavera Quezada
- Material: Polished blackware pottery
- Dimensions: 12" L x 10" W x 8" H
- Color: Glossy black
- Form: Bird-shaped effigy vessel with collar rim
- Details: Incised geometric shoulder band, polished surface, artist's signature on base
- Condition: Vintage, sound, light age-appropriate wear
- Use: Decorative sculptural vessel
• **Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio.
