San Ildefonso Black-on-black Feather Plate signed Maria/Popovi [SOLD]

Popovi Da is best known as a collaborator with his mother, Maria Martinez. Starting in 1956, Popovi worked with Maria in all aspects of pottery preparation and their pieces were co-signed. It was his intent to assist his mother and not to take away from her attention that kept him from making pottery on his own.  He was going to pursue his career after his mother was no longer making pottery.  Unfortunately, he passed away in 1971.  It was, at that time, that Maria retired.

This 6-1/2-inch plate with eagle feather design has always been a favorite of collectors.  Julian Martinez was the first to reintroduce this design from the Mimbres and Popovi Da continued it with his mother.  The plate is signed on verso Maria/Popovi 266, indicating February 1966 as the date it was made.  Popovi always placed his mom's name before his.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: from a gentleman in Albuquerque

Recommended Reading: The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez by Richard L. Spivey