Mata Ortiz Pottery Today

Book excerpt: This distinctive pottery, made for use and for show at the village of Mata Ortiz, Mexico, evolved from Juan Quezada's first efforts in 1974 into a business that involves the village and now employs around 350 potters. Six distinct styles are presented: black, polychrome, sgraffito (etched), colored, miniature, and special shapes. Bowls, plates, vessels, and delightful figural pieces have recognizable glazes and coloring that have made Mata Ortiz pottery welcome in many ceramics collections today. This fresh and comprehensive book includes a fascinating discussion of similarities in the bird motif with Acoma Pueblo (New Mexico) pottery. Private and gallery pottery collections were studied, making this a thorough presentation of old and new work. Each form is described with the maker's name, decorative details, and dimensions. Estimated retail values are suggested as a general guide. Both older and emerging artists are well represented, making this an important reference for the classic forms, current styles, and future designs.