Oaxacan Black Pottery

The work of the Pedro Martinez Family of San Bartolo Coyotepec is beyond compare! Carlomagno Pedro Martínez is a world renowned artist in barro negro (black clay) sculptures made of earthenware clay, He is arguably the most famous of his family, and has achieved worldwide recogntion both for the quality of his work, and the legends that are incorporated into his work. These sculptures are burnished by hand and then fired in smoke-filled pits or kilns to leave a deep black surface. Director of the Museo Estatal de Arte Popular de Oaxaca (Museum of Popular Art of Oaxaca), just outside of Oaxaca City, Carlomagno has been recognized as a master sculptor since his early childhood. His unique style has earned him a place in the book Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art, published by Fomento Cultural Banamex, in 2001 and Mexico’s Premio Nacional de la Juventud in the late 1980s, the highest national award given a young artist for his work. The clay is sourced very near the village on the side of a mountain and between two rivers. it is hand processed, and then used by the villagers to create their famous black pottery work. Carlomagno's sculptures focus on the day of the dead, and legends of the Zapotec culture that were taught to him by his grandfather when he was a young boy. He is an ardent advocate for the traditions of the Zapotec people, and works with the young folk artists in Oaxaca to keep them practicing their traditions. We are proud and honored to be able to carry his work here online. We have had the pleasure of lsitening to Carlomagno relay the legends of his culture, and are fascinated by all of the stories. He is a true talent, and an even more incredible and honorable man. This particular piece is a representation of a grandmother seated on a tree stump, with a turkey in front of her. The grandmother is wrapped in a traditional rebozo shawl that you see women in Oaxaca wearing everywhere, but most commonly used by the indigenous women to carry young children or goods to and from market. The turkey at her feet is the Zapotec symbol of the transition from day ot night, or night to day. It is a symbol of the leaving of the past behind, and a fresh start. We love this! Learn More

Black Pottery from the famous studio of Dona Rosa in San Bartolo Coyotepec. The tradition of this lovely and unique black pottery lives on through the descendants of Dona Rosa. Dona Rosa's son Don Valente carried on her work for years until his recent passing. Now Don Valente's children are committed to carrying on their family's legacy. To us, this is the most lovely part of much of the folk art that we buy..to see the traditions that have been passed down through generations within the same family! An adorable and unusual cat for all you cat lovers out there. Learn More

Black Pottery from the famous studio of Dona Rosa in San Bartolo Coyotepec. The tradition of this lovely and unique black pottery lives on through the descendants of Dona Rosa. Dona Rosa's son Don Valente carried on her work for years until his recent passing. Now Don Valente's children are committed to carrying on their family's legacy. To us, this is the most lovely part of much of the folk art that we buy..to see the traditions that have been passed down through generations within the same family! This extra large and tall vase with stunning cutout work, while not perfectly symetrical, has a stunning charm. A real stand out! Learn More

Black Pottery from the famous studio of Dona Rosa in San Bartolo Coyotepec. Learn More

Black Pottery from the famous studio of Dona Rosa in San Bartolo Coyotepec. The tradition of this lovely and unique black pottery lives on through the descendants of Dona Rosa. Dona Rosa's son Don Valente carried on her work for years until his recent passing. Now Don Valente's children are committed to carrying on their family's legacy. To us, this is the most lovely part of much of the folk art that we buy..to see the traditions that have been passed down through generations within the same family! The finish is left in a matte black for a nice rustic appeal, and I love the unusual shape. Learn More

Black Pottery from the famous studio of Dona Rosa in San Bartolo Coyotepec. The tradition of this lovely and unique black pottery lives on through the descendants of Dona Rosa. Dona Rosa's son Don Valente carried on her work for years until his recent passing. Now Don Valente's children are committed to carrying on their family's legacy. To us, this is the most lovely part of much of the folk art that we buy..to see the traditions that have been passed down through generations within the same family! The finish is left in a matte black for a nice rustic appeal, and I love the unusual shape. Learn More

Black Pottery from the famous studio of Dona Rosa in San Bartolo Coyotepec. Learn More

The work of the Pedro Martinez Family of San Bartolo Coyotepec is beyond compare! Magdalena Pedro Martinez is the youngest of the brothers and sisters that have made their work quite famous, and her work is just incredible... so fine in every single aspect. While a practicing doctor in the village, Magdalena has managed to continue her fine art work at the same time.Magdalena places great emphasis on the preservation of the traditional dress of the seven regions of Oaxaca in her work, and you can see that in the very fine detail of each piece. The pieces ore crafted of clay, hand polished with a quartz stone, and then fired without allowing oxygen inside the home made kiln. This oxygen reduction method of firing is what gives the pottery it's black color, and the hand burnishing with the quartz stone is what gives it a beautiful shine. Highly detailed and full of detail in the face and all the extras. She consistently amazes me with both the quality and the detail. And we are so honored to be able to offer her work here. This is a large and regal version of her Tehuana women dressed in the regional dress of the indigenous communities of Oaxaca. Just a few of the incredible elements of this sculpture are the details in the face, the lovely floral pattern on the dress,the effect of folds in the dress created by holding the skirt in her hand, the braid in the hair with the ribbon on the back side and flowers in the front, the beautiful necklace and earrings, the sense of movement as the woman portrays a Tehuana woman dancing in the Guelaguetza, and the pottery bowl in her hand full of flags. The ultimate level of detail in the garments and accesories is the hallmark of Magdalena's work. There are no removable parts and the work is signed by the artist. Learn More

Black Pottery from the famous studio of Dona Rosa in San Bartolo Coyotepec. The tradition of this lovely and unique black pottery lives on through the descendants of Dona Rosa. Dona Rosa's son Don Valente carried on her work for years until his recent passing. Now Don Valente's children are committed to carrying on their family's legacy. To us, this is the most lovely part of much of the folk art that we buy..to see the traditions that have been passed down through generations within the same family! This medium cantaro pot has a highly polished surface with cutouts of round flowers around the surface of the pot. Learn More