San Ildefonso Pueblo Black on Black Jar signed Marie

This exquisite Black-on-black jar is signed on the underside Marie, an indication that it was made by Maria and painted by Julian. That signature was first applied by Maria in 1923. By 1925, Julian's name was being added to the signature. It is therefore reasonable to state that this jar was made in 1923 or 1924.

The jar has a traditional Tewa vessel shape with a lower body in the form of a bowl and the upper portion being a beautiful and graceful sloping shoulder. The design is an early one by Julian consisting of a simplified Avanyu encircling the sloping shoulder. There is an elegance to these early works by Maria and Julian. Partially, it is the large surface of the vessel with minimal design, leaving one to marvel at the vessel shape and the amazing burnish. The Avanyu water serpent was created by applying the matte finish as an outline for the desired Avanyu.

Maria Martinez (1887-1980) Poveka "Pond Lilly" is probably the most famous of all pueblo potters. She and her husband Julian Martinez (1885-1943) Pocano "Coming of the Spirits" discovered in 1918 how to produce the now-famous Black-on-black pottery, and they spent the remainder of their careers perfecting and producing it for museums and collectors worldwide. This earlier era of Black-on-black pottery ended in 1943 when Julian died. A new era then began with Santana assisting Maria, followed later by Popovi replacing Santana. Throughout those years, Maria's youngest sister, Clara, assisted by polishing pottery for Maria.

Condition: very good condition.

Provenance: this San Ildefonso Black on Black Pottery Jar signed Marie is from the estate of a Santa Fe resident

Recommended Reading: The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez by Richard Spivey

TAGS: Pueblo Pottery, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Popovi Da, Santana and Adam Martinez, Julian Martinez, Maria Martinez