Heron Martinez Tree of Life

Heron Martinez Mendoza Tree of Life
Acatlán de Osorio, Mexico.. Circa 1950

A large and impressive five light tree of life candelabrum by Heron Martinez Mendoza (1918 - 1990). Low fired and white slip painted ceramic. Circa 1945 - 1950. 

This one-of-a-kind tree of life candelabrum from Martinez's 'white period', features a large bull surmounted by tiered and reticulated armatures ornamented with hanging fruit, birds, squirrels, flower blossoms, a burro and a fox. 

The following courtesy of Lee Price Arellano: heronmartinez.com

"The White Period:

The “white period” clearly was one of the pinnacles of Martínez’s work.  This early work has become particularly collectible. Martínez’s fantastic imagination is evident in the widely varied pieces produced during this period. He seemed to be influenced by everything he saw. He even admitted that his dreams were sources of inspiration. He also commented that his trees of life with religious themes were inspired after viewing religious stamps in an album owned by one of his wife’s relatives. Some of the designs prized by collectors include nativity scenes, the Virgin of Guadalupe, Adam and Eve, the flight into Egypt, and altar pieces for the Day of Kings. Non-religious themes include circus figures, such as trapeze artists stacked on one another’s backs, stacked animals and also charming figures of people holding jugs, animals and birds. Some of the more elaborate pieces are decorated on both sides so they can be used as centerpieces. 

Shipping: given the fragility of this item, proper packing and and white glove door to door shipping is paramount to it's safe arrival. Please call for details. 

Dimensions: Height: 33.5 inches. Width: 33.25 inches. Depth: 12"

Condition: lacking one ceramic figure. Original, unrestored. 

References:

* Arellano, Lee Price

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