San Ildefonso Black-on-black Jar signed Maria / Popovi 663 [SOLD]

Richard Spivey, in his well-researched books on Maria and her family, stated that Popovi Da (1922-1971) worked with his mother from 1956 to 1970 and that this was the highest level of creativity of Maria’s genius.  It was only when Popovi began decorating Maria’s pottery that her work departed from the standard Black-on-black wares to something truly creative. Popovi was an artist and craved innovation.  Of course, he was a businessman too.  He opened an art gallery on the pueblo in 1948 and became well aware of what tourists and collectors were interested in purchasing and it was up to him to supply what they wanted.

This traditional-shape jar, made famous by Maria and Julian, was made by Maria and painted by Popovi in June 1963.  It is the style most visitors to the pueblo were looking for and is what Maria was familiar with making.  Popovi was interested in assisting Maria and not competing with her.  It was his intent to market his work after his mom was gone, but we know that he pre-deceased her so his plans never materialized.  Maria retired from pottery production when Popovi passed away in 1971.  She passed away in 1980.

Popovi began experimenting with a double-firing technique in 1964, a year after this Black-on-black jar was made, so this one is from his earlier period of traditional blackware pottery shared with his mom.

Popovi discovered how to achieve a gun metal finish to pottery by firing at a higher temperature than normal.  It was a touch step in that if left in the firing too long, it would over-fire and appear dull.  If left in the firing too short a time, it would come out as the standard black.  To achieve the gun metal finish, he had to be alert and precise in removing the pottery from the firing.  This jar is an excellent example of a true gunmetal finish.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: from the estate of Pat Brannen, formerly of Albuquerque

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