Large Mexican Ceramic Folk Art Boat by Candelario Medrano - 18" H X 19" L X 8" W

A large colorful ceramic boat crafted by Candelario Medrano. He was a master figural ceramist with a style of his own. His specialty included castles, carousels, churches to boats and circus tents.  

This hand-painted piece is comprised of a two-level boat. On the top level, there are dancers and a band - all in total 10+ people! And on the lower level there are 2 brightly colored animals.

This highly collectible piece of folk art is in excellent vintage condition, has been in storage for over 40 years and is unsigned (typical for Medrano during this time period). It was part of the collection of Dean Warner a graduate of Mexico City College and Thunderbird. He was a noted dealer in Pre-Columbian artifacts and a prolific collector of Mexican and Peruvian folk art. Mr. Warner collected this piece in Mexico during the late 1950s to early 1960s. Pieces from his collection are on display at the Tucson Museum of Art and in the permanent collection at The Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University in Phoenix. 

This work of art by Medrano is impactful and would be at home in any public or private folk art collection. 

Place of Origin: Santa Cruz de las Huertas, Jalisco, Mexico

Date of Manufacture: 1950s-1960s 

Condition: Excellent

Wear: There are small areas where the paint has discolored or peeled off and three figures have missing feet. None of these losses diminishes its appreciation or the fact that it is a highly sought-after original work of art. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions: 18 in. H X 19 in. L X 8 in. W

Reference:

Arts & Crafts of Mexico (pg. 79), Chloë Sayer

Calendario Medrano's art can be found in the permanent collection on display at the International Folk Art Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Museum of International Folk Art

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