Black-on-black Jar Signed Marie [SOLD]

Maria Martinez (1887-1980) and Julian Martinez (1897-1943) worked together producing pottery from the early 1900s— she making the beautiful Tewa shape vessels and he painting beautiful designs in traditional polychrome style. Because Maria was considered the most skilled potter at the pueblo at that time, it was she who was selected to experiment in re-producing the early blackware that was being excavated at that time.

Maria and Julian began experimenting in the blackware and produced the first pieces in 1918. They had pretty well perfected the technique within a couple years. By the early 1920s, production was well underway with the Museum of New Mexico purchasing all the early pieces. By 1923, Maria was signing her name to her work. At first, she signed simply Marie, not to give full credit to herself, but because tradition dictated it. Pottery production was woman’s work, so her name was all that appeared, even though Julian contributed to the pieces. It was not until around 1925 that Julian’s name began to appear—the justification being that he was an artist painting a design, and not doing woman’s work of making pottery.

This fine early Black-on-black jar is one from the period of 1923-1925 when they both collaborated but Maria signed only the name Marie. The vessel is in remarkable condition considering its age. There are no chips or cracks, but there is some surface bubbling due to moisture leaching from water having been placed inside the jar at some point. Still, it is an excellent piece from the early career of this masterful couple.

Included with the purchase of the jar is an autographed copy of the bookMaria: The Potter of San Ildefonso by Alice Marriot. This is a First Edition, Twelfth Printing, February 1970 copy. It was autographed Maria Poveka by the potter and later gifted to Mr. Domingo Losa by Maurine Grammer in 1971 with appropriate notation. The book is in excellent condition with a nearly new looking dust cover. Click on the book below to see all the details: