Vintage Mexican Folk Art Owl Vase

This vase is a highly collectible piece of vintage Mexican mid-century folk art. It is often identified as a multi-faced owl effigy pitcher or vase, showcasing unique traits from traditional Mexican ceramic. The vase features a whimsical, stacked totem configuration where multiple owl faces are layered vertically on top of one another. It is molded out of traditional Mexican red earthenware clay. The surface is finished with a characteristic dark reddish-brown slip coat, which is heavily textured to mimic feathers. The expressive, concentric eyes are highlighted with earthy olive green tones, while the bold, chiseled beaks are finished with an oxidized metallic gold glaze. During the 1960s and 1970s, Mexican artisan hubs like Tonalá and Oaxaca produced a wide array of stylized animal (zoomorphic) pottery for both domestic and foreign trade. The paper foil label on the bottom officially identifies it as a piece from the renowned Erandi workshop based in Tonalá, Jalisco, Mexico. The Erandi studio is a highly regarded art pottery collective in Tonalá, known for its creative experimentation with colors, shapes, and textures. While Tonalá is famous for its smooth, matte sandstone (barro bruñido) folk art, the Erandi workshop specialized in producing heavier, distinctively textured stoneware and art pottery with vibrant hand-painted finishes. This vase is in excellent condition for its age. Measurements and all sides shown in photos. Smoke free home.