Black-on-black Vertically Expanding Jar signed Marie [SOLD]

Maria and Julian Martinez were outstanding and successful in their cooperative effort at producing pottery—Polychrome, Buff-on-red and Black-on-black.  Not only were they personally successful, their success set the stage for the revival of high-quality pueblo pottery at San Ildefonso and, later, for the success of pueblo pottery in general.

“By 1919 Maria and Julian were producing vessels that were not only technically outstanding but artistically superior.  The classical shapes were flawless, and the new shapes were well proportioned, graceful, and pleasing.  Julian’s sense of design worked in harmony with the surface he was to decorate, creating masterpieces of art on pottery.” Spivey 2003

This Black-on-black jar is a classic example of Maria’s mastery of shape and construction and Julian’s talent in adapting a design to fit the jar.  The design around the rim of the jar is comprised of a series of clouds and the elements below those clouds represent rain. The jar is an early example of their collaborative effort, having been made between 1923 and 1925, since it is signed only with the name Marie.

Condition: structurally in very good condition.  There are scratches to the polished and matte surfaces, not unusual in a jar of this age.

Reference and Recommended Reading: The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez by Richard L. Spivey, 2003

Provenance: from the collection of a family from California