This is a beautiful vintage blackware Santa Clara bowl created by recognized potter Katherine Gutierrez. Katherine used the matte-on-black method to design a striking "Avanyu" circling the widest part of the bowel. The Avanyu is a horned serpent common in pueblo lore and is captivatingly depicted on this bowl.
 
The bowl measures 5 ¼“ in diameter, and 4” in height. The bowl was formed and fired using traditional methods and has a high burnish. There is a small area of blisters from the firing but otherwise the bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, or cracks. The bowl is signed “Katherine Guitierrez Santa Clara”.
 
Katherine Guiterrez’s work has been recognized for outstanding craftsmanship and she won second place at the Indian Market Santa Fe. She is the mother of talented potters Denny Gutierrez and Joann Million. Santa Clara Pueblo pottery in general is highly regarded and sought after for its excellent quality craftmanship and eye-catching designs. Their pottery is very collectible and highly sought after.
 
The vessel was purchased at auction (sticker still attached) 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.