An unknown Mata Ortiz artist created this detailed polychrome eye dazzler with black & red on buff colored local clay. The pattern is very fine. There is a turtle on the base with a checkboard pattern on it's shell. Mata Ortiz potters often paint another scene on the base, like a hidden treasure. This was handbuilt with coils of local clay. The potter polished the surface before handpainting it using mineral & vegetal based paints. With this level of detail, it would have taken many hours to complete! I cannot find a signature, but Mata Ortiz artists tend to lightly engrave their names into the clay & sometimes the signature is hard to find! This measures approx 3- 5/8" H x 3.75" W x 3.75" D.  It would make a wonderful addition to any collection as an example of the Mata Ortiz movement.

Excellent condition.