Tall Black-on-black Jar by Maria and Julian Martinez

The Legacy of Maria and Julian: The Evolution of Black-on-Black Pottery

This beautiful Black-on-black jar is signed on the underside "Marie", an indication that it was made by Maria and painted by Julian. That signature was first applied by Maria in 1923. By 1925, Julian's name was being added to the signature. It is therefore reasonable to state that this jar was made in 1923 or 1924.

The jar has a traditional Tewa vessel shape with a lower body of globular form and the upper portion being a beautiful and graceful extension. The design is an early one by Julian consisting of a spiral and stepped element in a rectangular panel, repeated four times around the body. There is an elegance to these early works by Maria and Julian. Partially, it is the large surface of the vessel with minimal design, leaving one to marvel at the vessel shape and the amazing burnish.

Maria Martinez (1887-1980) Poveka is probably the most famous of all pueblo potters. She and her husband Julian Martinez (1885-1943 source: Richard Spivey) Pocano - Coming of the Spirits discovered in 1918 how to produce the now-famous Black-on-black pottery, and they spent the remainder of their careers perfecting and producing it for museums and collectors worldwide. This earlier era of Black-on-black pottery ended in 1943 when Julian died. A new era then began with Santana assisting Maria, followed later by Popovi replacing Santana. Throughout those years, Maria's youngest sister, Clara, assisted by polishing pottery for Maria.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Tall Black-on-black Jar by Maria and Julian Martinez is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

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

TAGS: Pueblo Pottery, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Popovi Da, Santana and Adam Martinez, Julian Martinez, Maria Martinez, Popovi Da