Large Gerardo Ortega 'Tree of Life' Sculpture from Tonalá, Jalisco, Mexico - 20.5" H X 16" W X 5" D

A large colorful ceramic 'Tree of Life' (Arbol de la Vida) crafted by Gerardo Ortega who is a master figural ceramist with a style of his own. His specialty includes happy and brightly colored objects whether they be animals, masks or sculptures.  

'Trees of Life' were traditionally used as a gift for newlyweds as a symbol of fertility and abundance. This hand-painted folk art piece is painted with vibrant colors including cobalt blue, bright green, red, yellow, turquoise and pink. It is adorned with 10 children, 16 flowers, 39 leaves and 3 holders for tapered candles. 

Gerardo, along with his brothers Oscar and Junior, create these fun and colorful figures of clay and follow their grandmother in the traditional Barro Betus technique where glazed pottery is burnished with the resin of Betula birch trees mixed with egg whites to achieve the high gloss patina. His work can be found both in museums and fine private folk art collections.  

This one-of-a-kind piece of art would work well in interior settings from Southwestern and Folk Art, to Boho and Scandinavian.  

Place of Origin: Tonalá, Jalisco, Mexico 

Date of Manufacture: 1990s 

Condition: Excellent

Wear: Near perfect. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions:

20.5 in. H X 16 in. W X (Base) 5 in. Diam.

Reference: Arts & Crafts of Mexico, Chloë Sayer; The Spirit of Folk Art, Henry Glassie

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