JR Micaceous Terracotta Coral-Form Bowls, Signed, New Mexico

Pair of sculptural coral-form bowls by JR, signed on the underside. Hand-formed from micaceous terracotta clay, a material deeply associated with the pottery traditions of Northern New Mexico, these pieces display the subtle shimmer characteristic of mica flecks naturally occurring in regional clay. The undulating, coral-like silhouettes merge organic inspiration with modern Southwestern design sensibilities, creating works that balance texture, form, and natural warmth.

Micaceous pottery has long been prized in New Mexico for its beauty and durability, and contemporary makers continue to reinterpret this heritage through sculptural art forms such as these. This signed 2002 pair exemplifies that evolution, blending traditional material with a distinctly modern, abstract aesthetic.

Dimensions

• Larger bowl: 3″ H × 8″ W × 8½″ D

• Smaller bowl: 1⅜″ H × 6½″ W × 6″ D
  Campbell’s soup can shown for scale.

Condition

In very good overall condition. Minor surface wear consistent with handmade production and age. The clay surfaces remain intact and free of visible chips or cracks. Both pieces are signed “JR” and dated 2002 on the underside.

Notes on Origin

Micaceous pottery is a hallmark of Northern New Mexico, where local clays enriched with mica have been used for generations by Pueblo and regional potters. The shimmering surface and organic shapes of these works are consistent with the aesthetic traditions of the Rio Grande region, though the specific artist “JR” remains unrecorded in major reference archives and may represent a regional or studio-based maker active in the early 2000s.