When a collector thinks of a Santa Clara Pueblo “melon bowl” the name Helen Shupla (1928-1985?) comes to mind. This mesmerizing melon bowl is beautifully formed, showing only the slightest twisting of ribs. The combination of smooth lines, black color, and gorgeous patina give this piece of art a serene contemporary feel. It measures 6 inches in height and 5 inches in diameter. There is some wear due to its age, with a few cracks in the rim and one small chip. However, the wear and tear does not detract from the overall stunning appearance of the vessel. The price reflects this slight damage.
 
Helen is so well-known for the melon style that her name evokes the image of smooth, highly polished ribs extending from a perfectly hand-formed vessel. The ribs of the melon bowl are often slighted turned and are formed when Helen would twist her hand inside the wet clay as she formed the vessel. All of her work was creating using traditional methods including collecting local clay, hand coiling, shaping, sanding, polishing, and using an open fire. Helen’s work is on display in museums across the country including the Heard Museum and the Denver Art Museum. Her work has been on the cover of “Talking with the Clay”.

The bowl was purchased at auction in the 1980s-1990s (sticker still attached), and has had one owner since. The bowl 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 farmhouse style, a chic modern/contemporary home or office, or anywhere there is a desire for texture, ethnic art, geometric symmetry, or a wish for natural earthy elements.