Mata Ortiz Mexican Black Pottery By Ruben Rodriguez

20th Century

3.375" H x 6.875" D

Hand Coiled with Glossy and Matte Geometric Design

In Very Good Condition with Light Wear

Rubén Rodríguez (also seen as Ruben Rodriguez Guillén) is a respected Mata Ortiz potter specializing in black-on-black pottery. He learned the craft from his younger brother, Manuel Rodríguez, who in turn trained under the legendary Juan Quezada (the founder of the contemporary Mata Ortiz pottery revival). Rubén is known for his exceptional stone-polishing technique—sometimes polishing a piece up to five times for a mirror-like sheen—and his intricate geometric designs inspired by ancient Paquimé motifs. His vessels often feature bold, precise patterns, and many have distinctive square or rectangular openings rather than traditional round mouths.

Mata Ortiz pottery, originating from the village of Mata Ortiz in Chihuahua, Mexico, is a renowned modern revival of ancient Casas Grandes (Paquimé) ceramic traditions. These hand-coiled pots are made without a wheel, using local clays, natural pigments, and outdoor dung-firing techniques (often with reduction firing for blackware to achieve the deep black color).