Black-on-black Small Pottery Jar signed Marie & Julian

Maria & Julian: A Journey of Innovation and Collaboration in Black-on-Black Pottery

The jar, bearing the dual signature "Marie & Julian," was likely completed between 1925 and 1930. This period is characterized by Julian's simple and elegant designs, as exemplified by the three-pronged matte design with five small matte black dots on this jar. This design, often interpreted as a symbol of rain, is repeated four times around the vessel.

Under proper lighting, the jar reveals a "gun metal" finish, hinting that this technique, commonly associated with Popovi Da, might have originated with Marie and Julian's early firings. Julian painted Maria's early pieces with a variety of unique designs. Later, his designs became more elaborate and repetitive.

While Maria & Julian were not known for producing the gunmetal finish during this period, it cannot be ruled out that they were experimenting. The result is a predominantly black finish that transforms into reflective, metallic pools under light, making this piece truly one-of-a-kind. The gunmetal finish is the result of a specific firing temperature, so it is conceivable that their production of this jar with a gunmetal finish was a result of the firing, and not a deliberate experiment.

The jar's organic shape is visually pleasing, with a small base that expands and curves upwards, culminating in a pyramidal wall. The entire jar, save for the matte decorative elements, is polished. Despite its black color, close examination reveals elements that gleam like the gunmetal finish, a characteristic possible with San Ildefonso clay.

The pottery created by Maria Martinez (1884 - 1980) and painted by Julian Martinez (1885-1943) between 1925 and 1943 carries the dual signature "Marie + Julian." From 1925 until Julian's death in 1943, Maria shared this signature with him. Their collaboration extended beyond their marriage and four children to their joint refinement of the Black-on-black pottery process.

In the early days, Maria would polish the pottery after Julian had painted the design, a labor-intensive process. After discussing this issue, they discovered that the entire piece could be polished first, followed by the application of clay ornamentation. This innovation not only streamlined their workflow but also introduced a new design and category for pueblo pottery. Despite their years of collaboration, pottery bearing both signatures are rare, especially those with original designs.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Black-on-black Small Pottery Jar signed Marie & Julian is from the collection 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