Tony Da (b. 1940), San Ildefonso

of rounded form, decorated overall with a highly polished sienna slip, very finely incised on the shoulder with a lizard, a stepped arrow emerging from its mouth, possibly a reference to lighting, a large turquoise cabochon inset onto its back, flanked by additional turquoise cabachons, incised details and heishi decoration; signed on the base: "Da."

Acquired from Dennis Lyon, Paradise Valley, AZ in 1998

King and Spivey, 2011, Life and Art of Tony Da, pl. 178
Spivey, 2007, The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez, p. 150

Very good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For related examples and a discussion of Tony Da pottery see McCoy,1993, pp. 59-61: "Tony Da comes from a long line of illustrious potters. His father was Popovi Da and his grandparents were Maria and Julian Martinez. Tony readily absorbed  what his family had taught him about the potter's art and, while still very young, deftly moved into that realm inhabited by most mature talents. Exerting the force of his own driving vision, he expanded unpredictably upon his training, creating  new precepts in pueblo art -ultimately blending his talents as a potter, painter, and jeweler into a highly original, inspiring, and artistically successful body of work."