Engraved black ceramic owl signed Mexico

A superb engraved dark brown ceramic owl, stamped Mexico, typical of the work of Oaxaca artisans from the 1960s to the 1980s. Hand-modeled in local clay and then polished before firing, it displays the magnificent deep, slightly metallic sheen characteristic of barro negro. Barro negro is made from local clay fired in limited-production kilns, giving it this deep, slightly metallic black. The artisans then polish the surface before firing with a quartz stone to achieve this distinctive shine. The motifs are often stylized: owls, doves, fish, or cats, hand-engraved with fine incisions and matte areas contrasting with the glossy background. The engraved details—large spiral eyes, fine lines, and a stylized motif on the flank—underscore an aesthetic that is both primitive and modernist, where the starkness of the black reveals the purity of the forms. Beautiful vintage condition, with a patina of age and signs of wear on the edges of the head, the base of the feet, and the beak (see photos). Height 17 cm, length 16 cm, width 10 cm. Sculptural and poetic, perfect for a bohemian chic or organic brutalist setting.