Vintage Incised Black Pottery Vessel by Grace Medicine Flower, Circa 1960s.

This minimal black fired pottery form incorporates an incised zig-zag motif, likely representing the water serpent “Avanyu.” A smooth + soft surface with rolled lip, the vessel is signed on the underside in the clay, “Grace Medicine Flower.”

Santa Clara Pueblo artist Grace Medicine Flower (B. 1938 -) is best known today for her beautifully carved pottery with sgraffito designs. She is a member of the renowned Tafoya family of Santa Clara Pueblo, with her grandmother Sara Fina Tafoya, parents Camilio Sunflower Tafoya and Agapita Yellow Flower Tafoya, and her brother Joseph Lonewolf. She is also the niece of Margaret Tafoya, the “grande dame” of 20th century pottery from Santa Clara.

In her early career, she worked with her family creating small traditional black pottery forms with designs such as the Avanyu (water serpent). In the late 1960s, Grace and her brother Joseph were some of the first to incorporate the techniques of sgraffito, taking their works to a new level. The more minimal black pottery forms, like this piece, are quite hard to find. All of her work is made in the traditional coil method and then fired outdoors.

Grace Medicine Flower has had significant recognition throughout her career with many honors and awards, as well as pieces in collections and museums worldwide.

Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Minimal surface wear, with a couple very small surface imperfections as detailed in images.

Specs: 5 1/4” Diameter | 3 1/4” Height