Tony Da Bear Serigraph with Turquoise Appliqué

This exceptional Tony Da Bear serigraph is a stunning tribute to the bear's deep spiritual significance in San Ildefonso Pueblo culture. Among the Tewa people, the bear is revered as a guide to water, a protector, and a bridge to the spiritual world. For artists like Tony Da and his father, Popovi Da — son of the legendary Maria Martinez — the bear motif became an integral element in their artwork, frequently appearing in pottery, fetishes, sculpture, and paintings.

What sets this limited edition serigraph (number 29 of 150) apart is its unique turquoise appliqué, central to the composition, making each print in the series distinct. The stepped design is further enhanced by small highly polished domed cabochons in each corner, creating a dynamic interplay of texture and form.

A notable feature of the bear motif in this piece is its heartline, a design more commonly associated with Pueblo depictions of deer. The area surrounding the heart is composed of multiple transparent ink layers, blending into a rich palette of greys and earth tones that distinguish it from the rest of the print. This meticulous layering demonstrates Tony Da's extraordinary ability to merge technical precision with an intuitive, alchemical approach to color and form.

Housed in a shadow box frame with archival mounting board and conservation glass, this insignia-marked serigraph is a remarkable example of Tony Da's mastery and innovation in contemporary Pueblo art.

Condition: excellent condition with archival mounting board and conservation glass

Provenance: This Tony Da Bear Serigraph with Turquoise Appliqué  is from the estate of a New Mexico resident.

Recommended Reading: The Life and Art of Tony Da by Charles King and Richard Spivey

TAGS: San Ildefonso Pueblo, Popovi Da, Maria, Julian Martinez, pottery, Maria and Julian, utilitarian pottery, Popovi Da began assisting Maria, painting, jewelry, fetishes, jewelry boxes, prehistoric Mimbres culture, ceramics