A matching pair of original ceramic dove sculptures handcrafted and signed by Spanish ceramic artist Encarna Martín García in 1992.
Although each bird presents a distinct silhouette and carved feather pattern, together they form a balanced composition that reflects the artist's expressive approach to late twentieth-century Spanish studio ceramics.
Description
The piece
Created in 1992 by Spanish ceramic artist Encarna Martín García, this pair of stylised dove sculptures demonstrates the artist's distinctive interest in simplified organic forms, textured surfaces and subtle tonal variation.
Rather than being identical, the two birds complement one another through their differing silhouettes and wing patterns. One displays a taller, elongated profile with finely incised feathering, while the other adopts a broader, more rounded form with deeper carved lines that emphasise the movement of the wing. Together they create a harmonious dialogue, each sculpture balancing the other without repetition.
Both pieces are handcrafted in ceramic and finished in softly textured grey tones with delicate iridescent oxide effects that shift subtly under changing light. Each bird is mounted on a black-painted wooden base with a discreet metal support, allowing the ceramic forms to appear lightly suspended.
Both sculptures are signed and dated by the artist, making them an original pair of Spanish studio ceramics from the early 1990s.
The artist
Encarna Martín García is a Spanish studio ceramic artist associated with Zamora. Her work is documented in Spanish ceramics exhibition catalogues from the 1980s onwards and is recognised for its stylised figurative forms, textured surfaces and experimental surface finishes.
Where it works best
Displayed together, the two sculptures create a balanced decorative composition ideally suited to a console table, sideboard, bookcase, mantelpiece or open shelving.
Their restrained colour palette and sculptural simplicity complement contemporary, modernist and minimalist interiors, while their handcrafted character also sits naturally alongside wood, stone and other studio ceramics.
Technical details
Artist: Encarna Martín García
Country of origin: Spain
Date: 1992
Material: Handcrafted ceramic
Finish: Textured grey surface with subtle iridescent oxide effects
Subject: Pair of stylised doves
Style: Contemporary Spanish studio ceramics
Bases: Black-painted wood with metal supports
Dimensions:
Dove 1
· Approx. 31 cm high × 25 cm wide (12.2 × 9.8 in)
Dove 2
· Approx. 23 cm high × 28 cm wide (9.1 × 11 in)
Attribution: Both sculptures signed and dated by the artist
Condition
Both sculptures remain in very good vintage condition, with light signs of age and handling consistent with their date.
The textured ceramic surfaces, tonal variations and iridescent oxide effects form part of the artist's original finish. The black-painted wooden bases show only minor age-related wear.
Please refer to the photographs for a detailed view of the condition.
Decorative accessories shown in the photographs are for display purposes only and are not included in the sale.
A beautifully balanced pair of studio ceramic sculptures that demonstrates Encarna Martín García's distinctive approach to form, texture and quiet expression.
