Buff-on-red Jar signed Marie and Julian [SOLD]

Maria and Julian 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 small Buff-on-red jar is a classic example of Maria’s mastery of shape and construction and Julian’s talent is adapting a design to fit the jar.  If the matte paint is not put on the jar in sufficient layers, it tends to be too thin and watery looking after being fired.  Julian was a master at applying sufficient layers to produce a visible design after firing.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance:  from the estate of Michael Frost of Texas

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