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This large, gorgeous, natural clay / redware, duck candelabra and open-sided vase set was made by the famous pottery master Heron Martinez Mendoza of Acatlan de Osorio, Mexico (deceased since 1990). His pottery work is among the most sought after collectible Mexican pottery, even by museums. You can find much information about his background, influences and pottery styles by google searching his full name.
This set comes from his 1960 / 70\'s \"burnished period\", where his inspiration came from a local archaeological dig which unearthed pre-Hispanic pottery, of which he was fascinated by their burnished smooth clay and designs. He created a new form of burnished, cinnamon-colored pieces with whimsical animal designs and candelabras and planters. This set has the added jute rope wrap. Gorgeous pieces. In the early period of his work, much of his pottery went unsigned. Once his work came in high demand, buyers asked him to sign the pieces, which he did with HMM. This set, however, is from the 60\'s, and is only marked with the remnants of \"Mexico\" and what appears to be an M or an H. The design, however, is classic of his duck pattern with the scroll work, candelabra shaping and burnished slip and cinnamon-colored clay. There are photos of his old pottery yard on line with this very style vase and candelabra among the rows of his pottery.
The duck candelabra measures 9 1/4\" tall by 6 1/2\" wide by 8 1/2\" front to back. It would hold five 3/8\" tapers.The large open-sided vase measures 12 1/2\" tall by 8\" wide
My source for these pieces was a south Texashispanic import family who brought items in from Mexico since the 60\'s. They have a rickety old warehouse with a few treasures still to be found when you dig. The father died a few years ago, but his wife and son (now nearly 50) still had a few vintage pieces they were willing to let me buy. They had three sets of Heron Martinez Mendoza\'s pieces from Acatlan -- each set having a duck candelabra and open-sided vase, like this set. I will be listing the two other sets in the future. The wife still remembers getting these pieces in Acatlan, Puebla, but I don\'t believe she to this day realizes the master that Mr. Martinez would become.
The two pieces are in excellent shape with no chips or cracks, yet the candelabra does show some ware in the glaze as shown in a side photo, yet gives the piece even more antique character. I had to keep one set for my own personal collection, and they are among my favorite Mexican folk-art pieces.
