Mata Ortiz Pottery

Olla by Nicolas (Nico) Quezada

1st Generation Potter, Brother to Juan Quezada

Offered by Original Owner - Made/Bought in 2002

This statuesque olla by Nicolas (Nico) Quezada stands 14 inches tall and has a girth of 32 1/2 inches. Juan Quezada is Nico's older brother, and Nico was the first person taught the Mata Ortiz potting techniques in the late 1970's by Juan. In fact, the two brothers developed many of the techniques together. This artistic movement started by Juan and Nico made Mata Oriz, Mexico famous, with its pottery collected worldwide. The Paquime Indian symbolism; cream, black and rust colors and the traditional shape are all part of the original "Quezada style." To my knowledge, Juan Quezada is living and in his 80's; however, Nico who made the pot offered here passed on several years ago.

Nico won many awards for his pottery in Mexico, the US and abroad, and he is included in every book about the Mata Ortiz pottery movement.

This is a special olla by a very special man!