Tony Da “Two Toned” Bear with Turquoise - San Ildefonso Pueblo

Description

Bear is coil built, stone polished, incised and native fired black. The bear has an incised heart line across its back and has been “two toned” in a band across its back and around the inside of the legs.It has 4 inset pieces of turquoise, two on the back and two for the eyes. It was made around 1970 and signed in the clay on its back foot “DA”. It measures 5”L x 3”H x 2.5”WReturns accepted if item not as described.“Tony Da was the first Pueblo "rock star." He broke cultural barriers as a "modern Indian," steeped in San Ildefonso Pueblo tradition but living in a contemporary world.  A grandson of Maria Martinez and the son of Popovi Da, his precision designs and techniques revolutionized Pueblo pottery and created a new vocabulary for the art.  Among the first men to both make and design pottery, he introduced sgraffito etching, inlaid stones, and beads, initiated black and sienna colorations, and invented his stylized iconography derived from the ancient Mimbres pottery.  Although his career only spanned fifteen years, his work and persona are increasingly relevant.In 2011, Tony Da's pottery and paintings focused on an exhibit entitled; 'Creative Spark, The Life, and Art of Tony Da.' (Museum of Indian Arts and Culture of Santa Fe 2011-2013.)Over the course of his career, Tony Da demanded perfection.  He was an innovator in his art, as well as in his life.  Tony was known to his family members as a creative perfectionist and his collectors as a creative genius.  Tony's pottery today is considered to be among the most sought after by collectors.” (Charles King)I am a long time collector of Native Americana and will be offering many fine and rare items over the following months including items from artists including Maria Martinez, TONY DA, Rondina Huma, Jake Koopee, Autumn Borts-Medlock and more. Good luck and stay tuned. Good luck.