Charming! This is a San Ildefonso Pueblo miniature blackware vessel with an incised bear paw. This is a unique vessel as the vessel opening is not on the top, rather it is angled slightly towards the back to create an interesting piece of art. It is difficult to photograph. This miniature vessel measures 1 3⁄4" in diameter and 1 1⁄4” in height. There is a single incised bear paw on one side of the vessel, offsetting the opening.
 
This is a vintage (1978) miniature, but mighty, vessel is signed by Jennifer Tse Pe who is well-known for making small pottery. Most of her work is carved, as is in this piece. She usually creates redware pottery with matte micaceous slip designs, and often uses green slip. This is a unique art piece as it is blackware and was deliberately created with the opening at an angle and not at the top of the bowl.
 
The vessel was purchased at auction in the 1980s and has had one owner since. The vessel has been on display in a non-smoking home in an open, yet protective display case. The vessel would be perfect for the current popular white decor/dark contrast farmhouse style, or anywhere there is a desire for texture, ethnic art, geometric symmetry, or a wish for natural earthy elements.