Alonso Ortiz Mata Ortiz Pottery Vase – 17" Tall Hand-Painted Polychrome

This tall and elegant hand-coiled pottery vase is the work of Alonso Ortiz, a second-generation artist from Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico. The Ortiz family is among the village’s most respected lineages, carrying forward the ancient Casas Grandes (Paquimé) ceramic tradition while expanding its artistic vocabulary for contemporary collectors. Alonso is especially recognized for his refined forms, polished black finishes, and boldly patterned surfaces.

Standing at 17 inches in height, this vase features a tapering body with a flared rim, decorated in horizontal registers of polychrome design. Painted freehand with natural pigments, the motifs include dotted grids, stepped forms, and bold linear arrangements in black, white, green, and reddish-brown. The layered bands create a rhythmic sense of movement, while the reflective black base anchors the design. The underside is incised with the artist’s signature, “Alonso Ortiz.”

More than a vessel, this piece embodies the spirit of Mata Ortiz pottery—rooted in ancient tradition yet alive with individual artistry. Ortiz’s use of color and geometry enlivens the form, inviting the viewer to see both cultural continuity and modern creativity. This vase is not only a showcase of craftsmanship but a statement of living heritage, certain to enchant in any collection of Southwestern or contemporary indigenous art.

Condition:
Good overall condition. Minor surface wear, light shelf wear to the base, and small firing marks are visible under close inspection, all consistent with traditional handmade firing. Painted decoration remains vivid and intact, with no cracks or structural damage.

Dimensions:
17 x 8 x 4.5 inches (height x width x depth).
A Campbell’s soup can is shown in photographs for scale.