Small Black Jar with Traditional Designs

The Martinez Masterpiece: A Testament to San Ildefonso Pottery

Behold the captivating allure of this jar, a remarkable creation by the renowned husband and wife duo, Santana and Adam Martinez. With a legacy spanning over half a century, the Martinez duo, along with their family, have been instrumental in earning San Ildefonso the esteemed recognition it enjoys today.

This jar is a testament to their craftsmanship. It boasts a deep black finish, polished to perfection, with intricate designs adorning its surface. These designs, starting midway up the jar and extending to the rim, encircle the entire diameter, lending the piece an air of meticulous precision and intrigue. The symmetrical form of the designs enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the jar.

The designs are open to interpretation, adding a layer of mystery to the piece. One might see them as depicting a Western Indian style shirt adorned with winged feathers on each side. However, as is characteristic of the inventive works from the San Ildefonso potters, the true interpretation lies in the eyes of the beholder. This jar is not just a piece of pottery; it's a canvas that tells a story, a story that is as unique as the individual who beholds it.

The bottom of the jar is signed Santana / Adam.

Maria's oldest son, Adam, and his wife Santana, of San Ildefonso Pueblo, were recognized potters even though they are mostly associated with having helped Maria with her pottery. They worked together making Black-on-black pottery their entire, long lives. Collaboration on pottery with their dual signatures has been seen for over 50 years.

Santana (1909-2002) painted designs on pottery and Adam assisted in firing pottery for Maria. Santana came from a long line of talented painters and potters. Her grandmother, Dominguita Pino Martinez, was a famous potter and her brother, Awa Tsireh, was a famous painter.

Adam (1903-2000?) was the oldest son of Maria and Julian Martinez and he was a serious asset in assisting his mother in gathering clay and firing pottery during the last four decades of her life following the death of Julian in 1943.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Small Black Jar with Traditional Designs is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: MASTER PUEBLO POTTERS-Maria Martinez, Santana & Adam Martinez, Lucy Lewis, Fannie Nampeyo and Priscilla Namingha Nampeyo, ACA Galleries, New York, September 6-27, 1980

TAGS: Santana, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Maria Martinez, Julian Martinez, Southwest Indian Pottery, Santana and Adam Martinez