Ed Morgan
The Legendary Master Engraver

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | February 2026

Ed Morgan was a renowned artist and master engraver based in Taos, New Mexico, where he lived and worked for much of his career. Morgan became celebrated for his innovative technique combining engraving and embossing, often on silk, which he pushed to high levels of detail and perfection. He drew from engraving, drawing, painting, and sculpture, creating intricate works with shimmering effects from silk, gold accents, curves, shadows, and fine details. His subjects included Native Americans, animals, Southwest scenes, florals, and other varied themes inspired by the region and beyond.

New Arrivals recently added to our large collection from Ed Morgan are now available at Chimayo Trading in Ranchos de Taos, or online at chimayotrading.com.

“Awesome Blossoms”, 2008
Unique Embossing, Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
13″ x 17.5″
$2800

Born Edward Lee Morgan on November 13, 1943, in Independence, Missouri, he initially worked in corporate life but found it unfulfilling. In 1970, he joined the “Taos Starving Artists” group after falling in love with northern New Mexico a few years earlier and settling in Taos.

“In The Pink”, 2000
Unique Embossing, Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
11.75″ x 5.5″
$1250

Morgan worked for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri, early in his career as an illustrator-engraver, where he received intensive training in metal-plate engraving and embossing techniques. This corporate experience was foundational, he learned the engraving skills there that he later innovated into his signature embossed Chinese silk, gold leaf and acrylic works in Taos.

“Watching The Grass Dance”, 1990
Embossing III/V, Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
22k Gold Leaf Frame
11.5″ x 13.5″
$4800

He started with engraved jewelry before developing his signature style. Morgan lived in a historic 300-year-old home on the La Loma Plaza in Taos, which served as his home and studio, featuring a tranquil garden with a fountain.

“Capturing The Lizard Fetish”, 1999
Embossing II/IV, Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
11″ x 14.5″
$2200

His pieces are highly regarded, with limited-edition prints often selling out before completion to collectors and gallery visitors. His work appeared in exhibitions from New York to California, and it’s held in collections worldwide.

“And They Dance By The Light Of The Moon”, 1985
Embossing IV/IV, Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
19″ x 15″
$2800

He passed away on July 17, 2014, at age 70, described in local obituaries as a “larger-than-life” figure in the Taos community whose death shocked many long-time residents.

“The Informant”, 1991
Embossing 10/20, Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
13″ x 13″
$2800

If you’re in Taos, you’ll still find his legacy lingering, alive and breathing at Chimayo Trading Del Norte.

If you have enjoyed our newsletters and learning about the artists and artwork we represent, or if you’ve had a good experience visiting our gallery, please take a moment to let us know by leaving a review using the links below.

Come to the gallery to see where History Meets Art in Taos..

#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

575.758.0504

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Contact us for the evaluation and resale of your collectible art.
We’re interested in locating relevant collections and original New Mexico artwork for purchase. We buy historic and contemporary relevant paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, weavings and more.

Contact us directly to discuss and evaluate your collection. If you’re an artist, contact us about the possibility of selling your art on consignment or direct wholesale purchase.

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