San Ildefonso Jar signed Maria / Santana [SOLD]

Following Julian’s death in 1943, Santana, wife of Maria’s oldest son, Adam, began assisting Maria with her pottery.  Maria still formed and finished the pottery and Santana’s contribution was decorating it.  There are two periods that were collaborated by Maria and Santana.  The earlier ones were signed Marie & Santana and that period lasted from Julian’s death in 1943 until 1956, at which time Popovi Da replaced Santana and helped his mom.  Maria did not immediately stop working with Santana when she began working with Popovi but continued periodically for a few more years.  Those pieces are signed Maria & Santana.

This jar is signed Maria and Santana and dates to the later period when the two potters collaborated.  Popovi Da died in 1970 and Maria retired at that time and lived another ten years.  Santana’s second period of collaboration would have been from 1956 to 1970, but their production was less during that time because Popovi was working with his mom as well.

This small jar has a most unique design.  It appears to reflect waves.  It might have been made later in the career of Maria and Santana, when Santana was becoming more adventurous with her designs.  It is a special jar because of its uniqueness.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Alexandria, Virginia

Recommended Reading: The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez by Richard L. Spivey (1937 - 2011)