Vintage Rena de Santa Fe Rena Paradis Hand Painted Portrait Art Pottery Vase Southwestern Ceramic

Striking color and distinctive portraiture make this signed Rena de Santa Fe art pottery vase an immediately recognizable example of the work of Santa Fe artist Rena Paradis. Paradis is known for stylized portrait and figurative studies influenced by the people, colors and culture of the Southwest, particularly Native American and Hispanic subjects. This cylindrical ceramic vase combines her characteristic expressive portraiture with the vivid color and graphic decoration associated with Southwestern studio art.

The hand-painted portrait of a young girl is rendered in black over a beautifully mottled turquoise, aqua and green ground, with subtle lighter speckling creating considerable surface texture. The opposite side carries a tall black linear scroll motif, allowing the vase to present attractively from multiple angles. An especially vivid chartreuse-lime green glaze surrounds the rim and upper interior, creating a dramatic contrast with the cooler turquoise exterior. The underside is hand signed “by RENA de Santa Fe,” directly identifying the artist.

Measuring approximately 6 inches tall with a rim diameter of 2 7/8 inches, this vintage ceramic vase has excellent display presence despite its relatively compact size. Careful examination of the newly photographed piece shows no chips, cracks or repairs noted. The hand-painted decoration remains strong and the glossy surface displays beautifully.

An appealing find for collectors of Rena Paradis and Rena de Santa Fe pottery, Southwestern art, Santa Fe and New Mexico artists, vintage portrait pottery, Mid Century studio ceramics, hand-painted art pottery and distinctive Southwest décor. It works equally well as a functional vase or as a small signed work of ceramic art.