Tonala Mexican Burnished Pottery Two Handled Vessel Bird Floral Signed MEX

PRODUCT DETAILS

• Origin: Tonala, Jalisco, Mexico

• Mark: MEX with a painted device on the base

• Material: Burnished earthenware, hand-painted

• Dimensions: Not measured — available on request

• Colour/Finish: Burnished cream ground painted in cobalt, brown and ochre; brown slip rim and handles

• Condition: Very good; painting crisp, no chips noted

• Era/Period: 20th century

• Other specs: Two-handled form with stylised flowers, foliage and a bird

PAINTER NOT IDENTIFIED. Tonala workshops sign in a wide range of hands and the mark here is a short one, so the piece is offered on the work rather than a name.

Tonala burnishing is done with a stone before firing, which is why the surface has that soft sheen rather than a glassy glaze. The bird motif is the traditional one and it is nicely drawn here.