PACIFIC + SOUTHWEST. Home Decor / Kitchen Decor, Decorative Tile, Souvenir, c. 1980s.
Handcrafted in the USA, these fine art ceramic tiles by Native American artist / designer Cleo Teissedre can serve as coasters, trivets, or wall decor. Their colorful images are illustrative of the indigenous Southwest tribes with an emphasis on the Navajo Nation. The company Teissedre Designs sold these original art, kiln-fired, hand-painted tiles in Tucson, Arizona, starting in 1981, yet little is known of the artist herself. Born in Pasadena, California, in 1930, Cleo M. (Eyre) Teissedre relocated to Tucson in 1961. She was known for her Navajo storyteller pottery figurines, watercolor paintings, and photography. One of the four tiles presented here, made in 1985, shows a two dimensional version of her storyteller ‘doll’. Another, dated 1984, is a ‘still life’ of a clay pot and a harvest of peppers. A third features a sacred white buffalo and is copyright 1988. The final tile we have to offer as part of this very diverse set is not dated, yet in our view is the most striking of them all. It depicts a costumed ceremonial dancer, painted turquoise, red and white on a rich black background. These tiles are in like-new condition and have a pressed corkwood backing to absorb shocks and allow for easy display.
Condition: Like New. Local / Regional Areas. Dimensions: 6" square / 4 lbs (1 lb each)
