Wow! This is a stunning Santa Clara Pueblo vessel created using non-traditional colors to form a double parrot design. The vessel measures 3 ¾” in diameter x 2 ¼“ in height. It was formed using traditional methods before carving and sgraffito methods started to be used.
 
The vessel was made by the husband-and-wife team Lois Gutierrez and Derek de la Cruz. They co-signed as "Lois-Derek" as you can see on this vessel. Lois learned the art of pottery making from her mother, Petra Montoya Gutierrez. She married Derek de la Cruz who would help with firing her pottery and with finding the unique colorful clays that have become so much a signature of their work. Each color on her pots is made from just one unique clay. Amazing!!
 
Their pottery has won numerous awards including winning "Best in Show" at the Santa Fe Indian Market in 1982. This recognition caused such a high demand for their work, they never participated in another exhibit again, but they continued to make their art. Their work has been featured in numerous publications including "Talking with the Clay" and "Beyond Traditions". Some of her work retails close to $3000.
 
The vessel was purchased at auction (sticker still attached) in the mid-1980s to-early 1990s, 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 decor that emphasizes soft yet contrasting colors, gentle shapes, stylized designs, or anywhere there is a desire for ethnic art, geometric symmetry, or a wish for natural earthy elements.