Too often, great talent is overshadowed. Desideria was born into a family of potters. She and her sisters, Maximiliana, Juanita, and Clara, all created their own distinguished artworks, but unfortunately are best remembered only for their assistance to their famous sister, Maria Martinez. Desideria’s own skill and vision, however, were fully developed as evident in this outstanding vessel.

Desideria demonstrated pottery making at the Museum of New Mexico as early as 1909 with her sisters Maria and Anna, Tonita Roybal, and Ramona Gonzales, acknowledging her acceptance as a major and outstanding potter. She was featured in the exhibit “Seven Families in Pueblo Pottery” at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology of the University of New Mexico in 1974. She has been featured in a number of books and articles—too many to list here.

This jar presents a wonderful globular shape, reminiscent of old 19th century water jars. The gentle shoulder is decorated in a continuous band of stylized geometric elements above the girth, with classic undecorated stone polish below.

Condition: Structurally, the jar is in excellent condition. It does have a few scratches and minor abrasions but all are insignificant and do not detract from this wonderful large jar that is a beautiful example of traditional San Ildefonso Black-on-black pottery.