Lot 337
**Originally Listed At $300**
Robert Tenorio (Santo Domingo Pueblo, b. 1950). A striking hand-coiled pottery jar by celebrated Kewa (Santo Domingo) artist Robert Tenorio (American, b. 1950), renowned for his mastery of Pueblo design and his commitment to traditional methods. Formed from locally gathered clay and painted with natural mineral pigments, this vessel exemplifies Tenorio's signature blend of bold geometry and ancestral precision. The surface is adorned with rhythmic black-on-cream motifs - alternating bands of stepped, checkerboard, and teardrop designs - encircling the body in perfect symmetry. The lower section remains the natural warm red of the clay, polished smooth to a gentle sheen, contrasting beautifully with the matte painted surface above. Every element of the jar, from its balanced proportions to the clarity of line, reflects Tenorio's deep respect for the aesthetic traditions of his Kewa heritage while showcasing his individual artistic control. Size: 6.8" W x 5.5" H (17.3 cm x 14 cm)
Hand-coiled and outdoor-fired using cottonwood bark, this vessel carries forward centuries of Pueblo ceramic practice. Tenorio's work, rooted in his community's ancient methods yet refined through his own innovation, has earned national acclaim and a lasting presence in museum collections across the United States.
About the artist: Robert Tenorio, born in 1950 in the Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo of New Mexico, began his lifelong engagement with clay at the age of ten. He is one of the most renowned Kewa (Santo Domingo) potters working today, celebrated for his mastery of traditional techniques and innovative designs. Robert first learned pottery making from his grandmother Andrea Ortiz and his great-aunt Lupe Tenorio, who taught him the time-honored process of hand-coiling clay and preparing natural pigments. He later refined his artistic vision under the guidance of Otellie Loloma while studying at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA).
Deeply inspired by the historic pottery of his village, Robert dedicated himself to preserving his family's artistic lineage while introducing his own stylistic patterns and shapes. He creates classic Santo Domingo forms such as water jars, dough bowls, and storage vessels, as well as contemporary variations that reflect his individual style. Each piece is hand-coiled from locally gathered clay, which he soaks, cleans, sifts, mixes, shapes, sands, paints, and fires outdoors using cottonwood bark. The natural pigments he uses are derived from plants he personally collects and boils to produce rich, earthy colors.
Tenorio continues to experiment with plant-based pigments in his ongoing effort to recreate the ancient black paint once used centuries ago. His pottery is recognized for its balance of form, color, and cultural authenticity, earning him numerous awards throughout his career. His work is represented in museum collections across the United States, where it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Kewa artistry.
He typically signs his pottery "Robert Tenorio" followed by a small dipper star motif and "Kewa." A member of a distinguished artistic family, he is related to Paulita Pacheco, Gilbert Pacheco, Hilda Coriz, Ione Coriz, and his mother, the respected potter Juanita Tenorio.
Provenance: private Anahola, Hawaii, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 1990s
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#197983
- Condition: Signed on underside of base. A few minor nicks, but otherwise, intact and in excellent condition.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |