Red Mexican Folk Art 'Noah's Ark' by Gerardo Ortega - 12.25" H X 12.5" L X 5.5" W

A large colorful ceramic 'Noah's Ark' 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.  

This handmade folk art piece is painted with vibrant colors including blue, bright green, red, yellow and turquoise. It is adorned with 8 animals ranging from a tiger to an elephant along with different types of birds and Noah himself. Signed 'Ortega' on the side of the ark. 

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 a child's bedroom or interior settings ranging from Southwestern, Folk Art... to Boho or Scandinavian. 

Place of Origin: Tonalá, Jalisco, Mexico 

Date of Manufacture: 1980s 

Condition: Very Good 

Wear: Near perfect. Missing one animal at rear. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions: 12.25 in. H X 12.5 in. L X 5.5 in. W

Reference:

Arts & Crafts of Mexico, Chloë Sayer

The Spirit of Folk Art, Henry Glassie

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (PMG)

Explore more Mexican Pottery at Our Taste Design.