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Orange and Brown Butterfly Chorotega Pottery Decorative Vase - Beauty in the Breeze
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Dark red and brown butterflies soar across a field of warm, earthy orange on this ceramic decorative vase handcrafted by Chorotega pottery artisan Harry García of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. The butterflies are bordered by decorative bands of deep red and brown with a lively etched motif, topped by a solid band of dark brown around the rim.
Chorotega pottery is completely handmade with traditional techniques passed down through the generations for 3,000 years, and one of the last surviving cultural elements of the Chorotega people indigenous to Costa Rica's Guanacaste region and Nicoya Peninsula. Chorotega pottery is made from local clay mixed with a very fine freshwater sand. The artisans shape the clay on hand-operated pottery wheels and hand-polish the art piece to give it a smooth texture and luster. Designs are etched by hand and the pieces are painted with natural pigments made from pulverized local colored rocks mixed with water, then fired in traditional wood-burning brick kilns. The result is a beautiful, earthen pottery unique to this region.
- Ceramic
- 0.47 lbs
- 6 inches H x 3.7 inches Diam.
THE STORY BEHIND THE PRODUCT
Artisan Organization: Harry Garcia
Country: Central America
"My name is Harry Garcia Grijalba. I was born in the community of Liberia, Guanacaste, on March 11, 1974. Since I was very small I was surrounded by crafts--my parents, grandparents, and neighbors all dedicated themselves to handicrafts 100% of the time. While I was to be able to appreciate how they made the pieces, I never got involved until my family was going through a very complicated situation economically. I decided to join them and learn a little. At the beginning it was a bit complicated, but thanks to patience from those who taught me and my efforts to learn, I managed to make my own things.
"I always like to experiment with new forms; this is a material that allows you to do millions of things and let the imagination fly. With this craft I was able to help my family to get ahead, and with the passage of time I started working on my own. It was a great challenge for me, but today I see it as something totally satisfactory.
"Unfortunately the job opportunities are decreasing and tourism is now scarce, so the artisans of this region have a hard time earning consistent income. I would like our community to have more opportunities where everyone can show their art and be recognized for it.
"It is part of a very big dream that I have always had, to show the pottery of my community and to show the beauty of our ancestors.
"I am a single father and I have a son, who is my reason for living. For him, I look for more opportunities every day; and for him I want to be a better person. I have more than 30 years of experience in this art, but I always seek to perfect my technique and give my clients a quality product." "
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