Pair of Black-on-black Candle Holders signed Marie [SOLD]

As published by Richard Spivey, Maria and Julian began producing plain polished black pottery around 1912 and Black-on-black pottery around 1919-1920. Julian continued to paint Maria’s pottery until his untimely death in 1943. It was around 1925 that Julian’s name began to appear alongside Maria’s on their pottery. So, we see that there is only a period of about 18 years when the co-signed pottery was made.

Before Julian's name appeared on their pottery, only the name Marie appeared, even though Julian was painting the matte black design.  The reasoning for his name not being added was that making pottery was considered to be woman's work.  It was in the 1920s before Maria added Julian's name to decorated blackware, after being convinced that he was performing as a painter and not doing woman’s work of making pottery.

Each of the candlesticks is signed with only the name Marie, an indication that the pair was made in the 1920s. Julian placed a simple cloud design around the upper part of each candlestick.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from a gentleman in California

Reference: Spivey, Richard.  The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez, 2003