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Pair of Modernist MCM Black Barro Negro Vases by Doña Rosa of Oaxaca, Mexico

$950per set
£729.51per set
€836.86per set
CA$1,334.86per set
A$1,494.96per set
CHF 780.05per set
MX$18,260.30per set
NOK 9,924.45per set
SEK 9,354.99per set
DKK 6,245.39per set

About the Item

A very cool pair of modernist MCM black barro negro pottery vases by Doña Rosa of Oaxaca, Mexico, circa 1970s. The large vase stands approximately 11.25"H x 11"W x 5.5"D. The smaller one is approximately 9"H x 8.25"W x 4"D, both pieces are ion very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks; they are signed on the underside. This is a set and look great side by side! #4596RM Rosa Real Mateo de Nieto was a ceramics artisan from Oaxaca, Mexico. Doña Rosa is known for creating a method for producing a pottery style called barro negro (black clay). The black, shiny appearance is fully realized after firing the clay. Doña Rosa died in 1980. The pottery making tradition of making the barro negro pottery is being carried on by her descendants in San Bertolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca.  Doña Rosa's black pottery became a favorite of collectors and is now mimicked by others throughout Oaxaca and other areas. Barro negro pottery has been produced for hundreds of years; examples of it having been found at numerous archeological sites in Mexico. This style of black clay pottery has remained a traditional craft of the Zapotecs and Mixtecs to this day. Doña Rosa discovered in the 1950s that she could change the color and shine of her ceramics using a technique still employed. She would polish it with a quartz stone before firing. This compresses the surface of the clay before it is completely dry. Then by firing at slightly lower temperature than normal, the result is a much more shinny surface. This tends to produce a more brittle pottery, so it is more ornamental than functional. She produced a wide variety of vessels and figures. The tradition of making the barro negro pottery is being carried on by Doña Rosa’s daughter and grandchildren who stage demonstrations for tourists. The workshop is still in the family home, where shelves and shelves of shiny black pieces for sale line the inner courtyard.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.25 in (28.58 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)Depth: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1970s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    San Diego, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: #4596RM1stDibs: LU936646102722

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