Included in this lot of folk art are two (2) Tonalá pottery birds and a large Mexican Folk Art Ceramic Toucan "Piggy Bank"-style Figurine. The ceramic production in Tonalá, known as the authentic mestizo ceramic is symbolic of Mexico's identity. Tonalá has long been recognized as a center for ceramics in Mexico. The streets are filled with artisan workshops and sidewalks stalls selling pottery and stoneware pieces. One thing that distinguishes Tonalá made ware is the decorative details. Two elements, the nahual and the "flor de Tonalá" are common. A nahual is a pre-Hispanic shape shifter or shaman, often drawn as a smiling cat. The flor de Tonalá (Tonalá flower) first appeared in pottery design in the early 20th century. Its distinctive shape is an oval center with rounded petals that form a scalloped design. Made of burnished clay or scented clay, the tradition comes from the Tonalteca group, which used clay to produce polished forms. The first designs of these ceramics were inspired by forms found in nature such as vegetables and roots. Warm earth tone polychrome colors with floral hand painted on body. These pieces are in good overall condition, the designs are bold and intricate, the colours are striking. None of the birds are signed, the larger Tonalá has "Mexico #6" on the underneath side. No marring noted to the Tonalá birds, the Toucan has very slight paint scuffing to the feet, no other obvious marring noted. Toucan measures 6"W x 14"L x 10"H, larger Tonalá is 3.75"W x 12.25"L x 4.75"H, smaller Tonalá is 3.25"W x 6.5"L x 4.5"H approximately.

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