Pedro Marcos Art Appraisal

Signed Mexican Folk Art Tripod Pottery Vessel by Pedro Marcos

This is a hand-crafted ceramic tripod vessel originating from Zihuatanejo, Mexico. The item is constructed from a buff-colored clay body with a contrasting black glazed decorative exterior. It features three distinct, integrated lug-style feet, each pierced with a small hole, suggesting it could be used as a hanging planter or that the holes were ventilation points for the firing process. The base is left unglazed in its natural tan state, showcasing a smooth but organic texture. A significant distinguishing feature is the hand-painted black inscription on the bottom which reads 'ZIHUATANEJO' and 'Pedro Marcos,' identifying the artisan and the region of manufacture. The top edge of the black glaze creates a scalloped or star-shaped pattern where it meets the unglazed base. The condition appears fair to good for folk pottery; there are visible surface scuffs and minor white marks on the base, likely from shelf wear or handling. The glaze shows a high-gloss finish typical of mid-to-late 20th-century Mexican tourist-ware or studio folk art. The craftsmanship demonstrates a balance between functional use and regional artistic expression, making it a collectible piece of Guerrero-style pottery.