San Ildefonso Black-on-black Large Decorated Jar [SOLD]

Black-on-black pottery of this style was just maturing as collectibles about the time Tonita passed away in 1945.  Even though pottery was more of a souvenir than a serious collectible, Tonita spent the effort to produce masterpieces such as this one.  She and Maria Martinez deserve credit for bringing pottery to its highest level of perfection and beauty and the two potters will always be remembered for doing so.  Tonita did not receive the publicity or notoriety that Maria received because such was not conferred until after World War II, the time when Tonita passed away.

Tonita Martinez Roybal did have one admirer who felt she was the best potter ever from San Ildefonso.  He was Richard M. Howard, a Santa Fe dealer and collector.  He amassed a collection of over 100 of her works, both black and red, and his collection was exhibited and sold by Nedra Matteucci Galleries in Santa Fe in 2007, shortly before Richard passed away.  Some of those jars and bowls have reappeared on the market since the 2007 exhibit.  It is quite likely that this one was in his collection but his inventory number, if it was attached, has since been removed.  The jar is signed Tonita.

Condition: very good condition with very minor scratches

Provenance: from the collection of dealer and collector Richard M. Howard, Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: Pottery of the Pueblos of New Mexico 1700-1940 by Jonathan Batkin