Maria Martinez #101722

$2,500.00

This early hand coiled and stone polished piece by Maria Martinez is a terrific example of her red on buff work. Quite rare, compared to their black on black ware, probably made in the late 1920’s or early 30’s, it is made by Maria Martinez and her husband, Julian. Maria would make and polish the pottery and Julian would paint the design. 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. Maria worked with Julian until he died in 1943. The piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Marie + Julian”. It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

“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

3” high by 4” wide

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Maria Martinez (1887 – 1980)

San Ildefonso

Maria Martinez is a woman who has worldwide fame. Appreciation for her life, culture, and body of work goes far beyond the Southwest. Through her hard work and generous sharing of her techniques, Maria reintroduced the art of pottery making to her people, providing them with a means of artistic expression and for retaining some aspects of the pueblo way of life.

Around 1919-1920, Maria and her husband Julian Martinez created the “black-on-black” style of pottery. This unique process allowed matte designs to be painted on a stone polished surface and the entire piece to be fired black. This was a unique and distinctive style of pottery. She was married to Julian Martinez, and they collaborated on their work until his death in 1943. She then worked with her daughter in-law, Santana, on her pottery. Maria made the pieces, and Santana did the painting. Maria then worked with her son, Popovi Da in the mid 1950’s. Again, she coiled the pottery and Popovi Da did the painting. These works are widely sought out.

Maria became so admired for her skill that she was specially invited to the White House four times, and she received honorary doctorates from the University of Colorado and New Mexico State University. She is considered one of the most influential Native Americans of the 20th century.

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