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Pottery |
Please contact us at 480.481.0187 or kgs@kinggalleries.com for information and availability of the pottery featured below.
Last Update: Sunday, June 07, 2009
Click on any of the images to see them larger!
San Ildefonso Pueblo __________
Blue Corn (1921
- 1999) - San Ildefonso
Blue Corn continues to be renown for her innovative pottery at San Ildefonso. While she is often best known for her polychrome work, her blackware combines many of the most accomplished aspects of her art. These two pieces reveal the diversity of her black ware. The bowl on the left is highly polished to a glassy shine and has a feather pattern as the design. The bowl has a classic Blue Corn shape with a low, wide shoulder and evenly painted feathers descending from the rim. The jar on the right has a water serpent (avanyu) as the central design, carved into the clay. Blue Corn did not make a lot of carved pottery, with much of it from the 1950's and 1960's. Her carved pottery had negative edges similar to that of her contemporary, Rose Gonzales. Both pieces are in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. They are both a testament to her skill as an potter and a reflection of her being posthumously awarded the "2008 Lifetime Achievement Award" by SWAIA.
Left: Black on Black Bowl with Feather Pattern 4.5"w x 3.5"h $600.00 - SOLD
Right: Black Carved Jar with Avanyu 5"w x 7"h $2100.00
Blue
Corn (1921 - 1999) -
San Ildefonso
Polychrome pottery or the use of numerous clay slips, helped to make Blue Corn famous in the 1970's. This bowl is an amazing piece and very unusual for its size and complexity of design. Blue Corn began to make pottery in the 1950's. Her early pieces were the typical black-on-black style found at San Ildefonso at the time. However, it was her polychrome pottery, using numerous clay slips, which were truly her "signature" and the source of her fame. This is one of the largest pieces we have ever had of her polychrome pottery. It is a stunning open stew bowl with a wonderful shape. Note how the shoulder has a sharp point before returning back inward and up to the lip! Below the shoulder is a rough micaceous clay slip, while the cream background area is fully polished. The design around the neck is based on historic San Ildefonso geometric plant and snow patterns. This bowl is in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. Blue Corn has been featured in books such as "The Legacy of Generations", and her work can be found in the permanent collection of numerous museums, including the Heard Museum, the Wheelwright Museum and others. She also received the "2008 Lifetime Achievement Award" SWAIA.
14"w x 7.75"h
$7500.00 - SOLD
Popovi
Da (1923 - 1971)
- San Ildefonso
Popovi Da was a son of potter, Maria Martinez. While he worked with her, he also created a few pieces on his own. It is not often that we come across pieces of his alone, but this feather plate is a beautiful example of the precision of his painting. The polishing has a high shine in contrast to the matte of the feather pattern. Much of his own work was smaller pieces, but each is dated on the back in the clay. This plate is signed, "Popovi Da 1065", which means it was made in October, 1965. The plate is in very good condition and definitely an exciting addition to any collection!
6.25" diameter
$7200.00
Tony Da (1940 - 2008) - San Ildefonso NEW
Tony Da was certainly among the most innovative and transformative Pueblo potters of his generation. He was the son of noted potter Popovi Da, and the grandson of Maria Martinez. His pottery career spanned only about one decade, from the late 1960's to about 1980. He was among the first to begin etching into the surface of the pottery (sgraffito), adding stones, hei-shi and then began creating all matte carved vessels. His pottery today is considered to be among the most sought after by collectors and museum alike. Both of these pieces are from the early 1970's. The jar on the left is a great shape with a more elongated shoulder. There is a single water serpent incised into the clay with a piece of turquoise set into the horn. There are small bear paws near the tongue and single small bear paw incised on the back of the piece. The taller vase is a
classic design with an incised feather pattern on two sides and turquoise stones on the other two sides. This is a pattern which he often used on jars, as the it has a very angular appearance against the elegant shape of the vessel. The shape is this jar is striking, as it has a narrow base and a round shoulder which leads up to the neck. The color from the firing is a dark, rich red which contrasts against the coloration of the clay in the incised areas. Both pieces are in amazing condition, with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. What stunning and important additions to any collection!
Left: Red Jar with Incised Avanyu & Turquoise 3.5"w x 3.5"h - SOLD
Right: Red Jar with Incised Feathers & Turquoise 5.75"w x 5.75"h- SOLD
Tony Da
(1940 - 2008) - San
Ildefonso
It is not often that we have a painting by Tony Da come into the gallery. Tony was the son of noted potter Popovi Da, and the grandson of Maria Martinez. His artistic career spanned only about one decade, from the late 1960's to about 1980. He was among the first to begin etching into the surface of the pottery (sgraffito), adding stones, hei-shi and then began creating all matte carved vessels. However, while he was renown for his pottery, he considered himself primarily a painter. This is a fantastic gauche (opaque water color) painting on paper from 1970 and it is entitled, "Two Deer Maidens". The design has the Mimbres style warrior twins, one on either side of a central medallion. They are meant to represent the two deer in human form. The deer surround a central medallion painted with geometric patterns based on pre-historic pottery. The composition and color are spectacular on this painting. It is in excellent condition and has been museum mounted. The second image above is a close-up of the painting, which definitely reveals its detail and beautiful symmetry and coloration. This is definitely a stunning and important addition to any collection!
Image: 18" x 14", with frame: 17" x 24"
$7500.00
Carlos
Dunlap (1958 -1981) - San Ildefonso
Carlos Dunlap is certainly one of the important San Ildefonso potters of the 1970's. He learned to make pottery from his mother, Carmelita Dunlap, and he was renown for his innovative shapes and designs. This is one of the few plates we have seen of his work. While it is more common to find his black ware or brown ware vessels, polychrome pieces such as this plate are very unusual. What makes Carlos's work so significant is designs and their movement and flow on the piece. This plate is a spectacular example, as he has refrained from dividing the plate into four equal sections, but instead they are of various sizes, and each with a different design. In an era when the symmetry of Maria's pottery designs were the standard, Carlos was able to find his own distinctive voice in the clay. This plate is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. Bowls of this size are always a find and certainly in this condition, an important addition to any collection!
14" diameter
$3200.00
Carlos
Dunlap (1958 -1981) - San Ildefonso
Carlos Dunlap is certainly one of the important San Ildefonso potters of the 1970's. He learned to make pottery from his mother, Carmelita Dunlap, and he was renown for his innovative shapes and designs. This terraced bowl is painted using numerous clay slips to create the colorations. The shape is a terraced bowl, which is derived from traditional shapes. The design are water, lightning and prayer feather patterns. While we see more of the polished black and brown fired vessels, it is not often that we see his polychrome pottery. This type of work is always demanding of time both in finding the clays, painted and firing. The bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. Bowls of this size are always a find and certainly in this condition, an important addition to any collection!
10"w x 10"h
$3200.00
Carlos
Dunlap (1958 - 1981)
- San Ildefonso
Carlos Dunlap was among the most creative potters working at San Ildefonso in the 1970's. His work focused on traditional black-on-black pottery, as well as polychrome painting. However, it is the scale of much of his work, and that of his mother, Carmelita, that is so striking today. Many of his pieces were the size of this bowl, and much larger. This bowl has a traditional feather pattern on two sides, and then an almost contemporary style of painting on the other two sides. The piece is well polished and in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.
12"w x 10"h
$3200.00
Erik
Fender - San Ildefonso
Erik Fender is the son of Martha Appleleaf and the grandson of noted potter Carmelita Dunlap. Erik combines classic San Ildefonso imagery with his own creative style. As well, with these two pieces, he has utilized a green slip, which is in contrast to the black polished surface. On the left, the jar has a painted avanyu (water serpent) as the main design above the shoulder. Near the base, it is matte, and has a series of green painted geometrics. The jar on the right has a central section which is polished and painted with a green clay slip to create a feather pattern. Along the neck and the base, it is a matte clay, with petroglyph geometrics as the designs. It is a strong visual contrast of the matte to the polished surfaces. Erick has won numerous awards for his pottery and continues to be one of the young innovators from San Ildefonso pueblo!
Left: Jar w/ Avanyu 5"w x 5"h $600.00
Right: Jar w/ Feather Pattern 5"w x 5"h $600.00
Erik
Fender
- San Ildefonso
This is a striking jar from Erik Fender. It is one of his polished polychrome vessels, with the cream fully polished and then the design is painted over the polished surface. However, it is the initial shape which gives this piece such a striking appearance, with the narrower base and sharp shoulder which turns up to the rim. The design from the neck to the shoulder has a series of feathers and there are also San Ildefonso style birds painted between the feather sections. The birds and feathers are highlighted with natural green clay slip. Around the body of the jar is a water serpent (avanyu), which encircles the piece, and is also highlighted by the green clay slip. This is a fantastic balance of design, form, matte and polished surfaces. Erik is a grandson of noted potter Carmelita Dunlap, and the son of Martha Appleleaf. He has won numerous awards for his pottery and continues to be one the young innovators in native clay!
8.5"w x 7.5"h
$1200.00
Martha Appleleaf
Fender - San Ildefonso
Martha is a daughter of noted potter Carmelita Dunlap and the mother of Erik Fender. Following in the footsteps of her mother, she creates larger sized pieces of pottery with classic designs. This jar is a dynamic vessel with polychrome painted designs. Around the neck of the jar are bird and figurative imagery. There is a water serpent (avanyu) encircling the shoulder of the jar and near the base are classic circular patterns. The jar has a polished cream slip and there is some slight slip crackling. The painted sections are matte black and red. It is an elegant shape and painted with a complicated design. Martha has won numerous awards for her work and each piece reflects her high level of quality and classic style of pottery.
11"w x 14.5"h
$1500.00 - SOLD
Cavan
Gonzales - San Ildefonso
As the great-great-great grandson of Maria Martinez, and the son of Barbara Gonzales. Cavan is among the few at San Ildefonso Pueblo who continue to make traditional polychrome pottery. The painted designs are dynamic and beautifully contour to the shape of the vessel. This stunning large water jar has a feather and prayer feather pattern around the neck. The symmetry of the feather and the balance are stunning. The area below the shoulder has a bird tail and bird wing design with a separating checkerboard design. All the clay color are natural and the piece has been traditionally fired. Cavan's work can be found in books and museums throughout the country. He continues to bring to life the tradition revived by his family over a century ago!
12"w x 11.5"h
$8900.00
John
Gonzales - San Ildefonso
John Gonzales is masterful at making plates! This is one of his larger pieces, and beautiful in the balance of the various colors and designs. There are two etched and polished water serpents (avanyu) in bands along the top and bottom. The connect to two medallions, each etched with a circular series of feathers. The bands and the medallions are surrounded by inlaid turquoise hei-shi beads. The remainder of the plate has a tan matte clay slip, in contrast to the other polished and colored surfaces. John was one of the first artist who did a show with us at King Galleries, over 10 years ago, and his work has continued to be of innovative content and creative style!
16" diameter
$1600.00 - SOLD
Ramona
Sanchez Gonzales (1885 - 1934) - San Ildefonso
Ramona Gonzales was one of the early potters, along with Maria Martinez her sisters (Desideria & Anna) to help promote the black-on-black pottery of San Ildefonso pueblo beginning in 1919. She was the step-mother of Blue Corn & Lorenzo Gonzales and the mother-in-law of Rose Gonzales, whom she taught to make pottery. In all the years here at the gallery, this is the first time we've had a piece of her work come out of a collection. As she had such a short career, it is not unexpected that her work is difficult to find. This is a fantastic box with a feather design on two sides and a similar feather design on the lid. These boxes were very common in he 1920's, but are often difficult to find as the lids were easily broken. This box is in great condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. There are few light scratches but nothing distracting, and actually in very good condition considering its age. This is definitely an interesting addition to any collection.
4"long x 3"w x 3.25"h
$800.00 - SOLD
Rose Gonzales (1900 - 1989) - San Ildefonso
Rose Gonzales was one of the early innovators of deeply carved pottery at San Ildefonso pueblo in the 1930's. However, she also did painted pottery in addition to the carved pieces. Here are two classic pieces of her pottery. Their unique style can be seen in how she influenced contemporary potters such as Dora Tse-Pe and Russell Sanchez. The bowl on the left has a deeply carved avanyu as the central design. Rose always carved in a very shallow style, virtually creating a bas-relief style of imagery in the clay. The avanyu seems to simply descend off towards the bottom of the bowl. The jar on the left has her classic long neck shape with the sharp shoulder. This jar has a black-on-black painted design with a cloud and rain pattern. Both pieces are in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. Classic work like this by Rose is definitely an exciting addition to any collection!
Left: Bowl with Carved Avanyu 5.5"w x 3"h $900.00
Right: Long Neck Jar with Painted Designs 4"w x 6"h $700.00
Helen
Gutierrez (1930-1993) - San Ildefonso NEW
Helen Gutierrez was long renown for her classic, highly polished pottery. This long neck jar is typical of her work with a glassy polish and finely painted designs. The pattern on this piece is a rainbow pattern over storm pattern. The design is beautifully painted right to the edge of the shoulder and just barely reaching the end of the neck. Helen was the mother of noted potters Kathy and Carol Gutierrez and she was the daughter of Isabel Atencio, who taught her to make pottery.
5.75"w x 5.5"h
$975.00
Kathy
Gutierrez - San Ildefonso
Kathy Gutierrez is a daughter of noted potter Helen Gutierrez. Kathy is well known for her highly polished pottery and use of traditional designs. This bowl is a stunning example of her pottery, with a highly polished red surface and a matte painted design.
4.25"w x 3.25"h
$300.00 - SOLD
Margaret Lou Gutierrez (b. 1934) - San Ildefonso
Margaret Lou Gutierrez is a daughter of noted potter Tonita Roybal. Her mother passed away when she was only ten, and in 1971 she began to make pottery with the encouragement of her father, Juan Roybal. Her piece combine many of the early designs of her mother along with elegant shapes and precision painting. This jar is from the early 1970's and it is one of the larger pieces of her work we have seen in a while! The jar is highly polished and has a painted feather design. The elegant form and design work perfectly on this piece! While Margaret Lou makes fewer pieces today, her work reveals the important continuation of her family legacy in clay.
7.5"w x 6.25"h
$900.00 - SOLD
Adam Martinez (1904 - 2000) & Santana Martinez (1909 - 2002) - San Ildefonso
Adam and Santana Martinez were amazing collaborators in the world of Pueblo pottery. Although they worked on pottery together, from the 1940's to the 1950's, Santana also painted the designs on her mother in law's (Maria Martinez) pottery. This oval bowl is fully polished on the inside and outside. Technically, that is always difficult as pieces are more likely to crack with the application of additional wet clay slip for the polishing. While the bowl is not painted, it is beautifully polished and formed, creating a very elegant vessel. It is signed on the bottom in the clay. It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.
11" long x 8.5"w x 3"h
$1800.00
Adam
Martinez (1904
- 2000) & Santana Martinez (1909 - 2002) - San Ildefonso
Adam Martinez was a son of renown potter, Maria Martinez. He worked on pottery with his wife, Santana, who was from the Roybal family who were noted for their paintings. Santana also painted the designs on Maria's pottery from the 1940's through the 1950's. This bowl is a classic piece with a feather pattern. It is from the 1960's. The shape of Santana's pottery is rounder than Maria's and slightly thicker feeling walls. The shape of the feathers, of course, is identical. The bowl is signed on the bottom in the clay and it is in very good condition, with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.
4.5"w x 3"h
$800.00 - SOLD
Anita
Martinez (d. 1992) - San Ildefonso
NEW
It is not often that we come across work by Anita Martinez, the daughter of Santana & Adam Martinez and the mother of Barbara Gonzales. Anita was well known for her plainware pottery and especially unique forms, such as this is a fantastic oval lidded box. The box is highly polished and is simply fired a plain black. The lid has a cloud or kiva step design as the "handle". The raised part is also fully polished. The box is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. Anita's pottery is definitely a great example of the continuing legacy of Maria Martinez and her family.
7.5"long x 4"w x 5"h
$1100.00
Lupita
Martinez (b. 1918) - San Ildefonso
Lupita Martinez is today one of the oldest potters at San Ildefonso pueblo. This bowl is a classic cloud pattern painted around the rim. Typical of her work it is highly polished and very traditional in form with the wide shoulder and open mouth. This bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.
6"w x 2.5"h
$300.00
Maria Martinez (1887
- 1980) - San Ildefonso
This box is truly a special and unusual piece. It is from the early 1920's and signed on the bottom, "Marie" in the clay. The box was made by Maria Martinez and painted by her husband, Julian. Technically, the box is one of the most difficult forms to create and it is amazing it didn't crack in either the drying or the firing stages as there is extra stress on the square corners. The box is highly polished and yet it is the painted images which are so captivating. Julian often said that he felt comfortable using any Native designs on his pottery, not just those from around San Ildefonso. Use of Hopi inspired imagery can be seen on numerous polychrome pieces of their work from the early 1900's. This box continues that innovative streak, with the use of Hopi style bird wings on two of the sides. Note how tightly they are painted, how they fill up the entire space and most importantly the checkerboard pattern! On the opposite ends are two different rain patterns (last two images above), each very tightly painted. The top of the box is also painted with kiva step and rain pattern. This box is simply dynamic on every level from form to polish to design. It is certainly a testament to the creativity of Maria and Julian and why their work was so sought after in the early 1900's. This box is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. There are a few rubs on the edge of the lid but certainly not detracting or unexpected from with its age. This piece is definitely an exciting and important addition to any collection!
4" long x 2.75"w x 5"h (w/ lid)
$4500.00 - SOLD
Maria
Martinez (1887 - 1980) - San Ildefonso
While Maria is renown for her pottery forms and polishing, the early years of her work are made especially elegant by the spectacular painting of her husband, Julian. While he began with polychrome pottery, it is amazing how easily he found an unexpected balance of form, space and design in the black-on-black pottery. This plate is a stunning example of his early painting style, which was delicate and yet flowing and would not be repeated for nearly half a century until his son, Popovi Da, began making pottery. The design on this plate is a series of three stylized birds, each arching into the center of the plate. Their tails become the wind for of the next bird. The intricately painted imagery follows the form of the plate and is highlighted by the metallic appearance of the clay from the intense heat of the outdoor firing. While much of his painting would become more repetitive in the 1930's, this plate from the early 1920's is dynamic and a testament to his skill. The piece is signed, "Marie" on the back in the clay. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. Early works by Maria in such great condition and with such spectacular imagery are beautiful and unique.
12.5" diameter
$9800.00
Maria
Martinez (1887 - 1980) - San Ildefonso
It is not often that we get in such early piece by Maria Martinez. This jar is signed, "Marie", which indicates that it was made in the 1920's. These are the first pieces which she signed before beginning to use the "Maria & Julian" signature. The early work also seems to be experimental, with attempts at a variety of results from polishing, painting or firing. This jar was made by Maria, and the water serpent was painted in the entire area between the rim and the shoulder by her husband, Julian. The shoulder itself has a somewhat sharp edge as it turns downward. The entire piece is highly polished and has a "near-gunmetal" appearance from the firing. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. Early works by Maria. It is not often we see such great pieces as this jar in such wonderful condition and classic execution of design.
7"w x 5.5"h
$3300.00 - SOLD
Maria Martinez (1887
- 1980) - San Ildefonso
This large jar is an striking example of the pottery by Maria Martinez from the 1930's. At this time while Maria was making the pottery, her husband, Julian Martinez (1897-1943) was painting the designs. This jar is among her larger pieces and many in this shape were actually used for flowers. Their utilitarian use has resulted in many being water damaged or broken over time. Finding this shape in good condition always seems to be a challenge and surprise. The jar has an elegant form, with a round body and a long neck. It is highly polished which further enhances the delicate lines of the form. Julian has painted a cloud and rain design around the neck. Around the shoulder is a series of bird wing and prayer feather patterns. The use of this imagery further indicates that it is an earlier piece, as Julian was still experimenting with his designs. The jar in in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. There are a few small surface dings but nothing unusual for a piece this age. Vessels by Maria in this size and from this early time period are certainly an important addition to any collection! For more information on Maria Martinez, Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" is certainly the authority on her pottery.
8"w x 12"h
$19,000.00
Maria
Martinez (1887-1980) - San Ildefonso
NEW
Maria Martinez is most famous for her highly polished black pottery which she began making in the early 1920's. In collaboration with her husband, Julian Martinez (1897-1943), they worked together on their pottery with Maria making and polishing the vessels while Julian painted the designs. These two bowls are both signed "Maria + Julian" and are from the 1930's. The large open bowl on the left is plain, but fully polished on the inside and onto the bottom! Technically, most potters avoid this as adding more wet slip on either the outside or inside after one area is polished will increase the chances for it to crack. This large open bowl is simple and elegant with a high polish. The jar on the right is a classic shape with a wide shoulder and sloping mouth. The design is a "wide feather" pattern which Julian revived first and then began making them more narrow on the plates. The shape of the feathers is perfect for the shape of the jar, a testament to his ability to design for the individual piece. The jar is a deep black coloration from the firing. Both pieces are in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. They are certainly classic examples reflecting both Maria and Julian's legacy on Pueblo pottery!
Left: Large Open Fully polished bowl 12"w x 3"h $5500.00
Right: Jar with Wide Feather Pattern 7"w x 6"h $4200.00 - SOLD
Maria
Martinez (1887 - 1980) - San Ildefonso NEW
This open bowl is from the 1950's, and was made by Maria Martinez and her daughter-in-law, Santana. It is signed on the bottom, in the clay, "Marie + Santana". The bowl is fully polished and has stunning appearance! Technically, this is one of the most difficult bowls to make, as it fully polished on the inside and the outside. The high polish and near-gunmetal in the firing (take a closer look at the first image), reveal the simple elegance of this piece! This bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. This is certainly an exciting piece by Maria Martinez, and a visual expression of her impact and creativity in Pueblo pottery! For more information on Maria Martinez, Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" is highly recommended.
9.5"w x 3.75"h
$3000.00
Maria
Martinez (1887 - 1980) - San Ildefonso NEW
Maria's pottery is well known for the beautifully painted designs. However, she only made the pottery and stone polished the surface. During the 1950's she made a series of pieces which were plain and signed with her Tewa name, "Maria Poveka", which means Water Lilly. This bowl is signed in the clay and is beautifully constructed and a classic shape with a round body and mouth about the same size as the base. The bowl is highly polished with a near gunmetal appearance achieved from the firing. The bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. This is certainly a classic example of her pottery in form, polish and firing. For more information on Maria Martinez, Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" is highly recommended.
5.5"w x 3.75"h
$2000.00
Maria
Martinez (1887 - 1980) - San Ildefonso
This is a classic jar from Maria Martinez and Popovi Da (1923-71). Maria made and polished the bowl and it was painted by her son, Popovi Da. The jar has a classic feather pattern painted from the rim to the shoulder. Typical of much of Popovi's pottery there are three bands painted around the shoulder of the piece. The jar is signed "Maria - Popovi 867" and the firing date is "867", meaning it was fired in August, 1967. It is truly the firing which makes this vessel so stunning! The gunmetal coloration is even throughout most of the piece, creating a elegant contrast to the matte painted designs. The gunmetal firing was a hallmark of Popovi Da's pottery and something which few potters even today are able to achieve. It is near perfect condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. Vessels by Maria and Popovi both of this size and in this condition are certainly becoming rarer to find as more pieces enter museums.
6"w x 5.25"h
$6500.00
Maria
Martinez (1887-1980) - San Ildefonso
This bowl is certainly a "classic" piece on many levels. It was made by Maria Martinez and then painted by her son, Popovi Da (1923-1971). The shape is a classic one for Maria, with the open mouth and the low shoulder. As well, the entire piece is fully polished, even on the bottom! The polish is extraordinary, with a glass-like appearance. It isn't the gunmetal coloration, or a dark black, but such a high glassy shine it is almost like looking into a mirror! The design painted by Popovi Da is classic with the small, tightly painted feathers and the two boxed areas with cloud and rain designs. The bowl is signed "Maria/Popovi 362" in the clay and has a firing date of 362 (March, 1962). This bowl is in great condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. Finding piece by Maria and Popovi of such classic form, polish and design combined with great condition is always exciting and an important addition to any collection! We highly recommend Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" for more information on Maria Martinez and Popovi Da.
7"w x 3.75"h
$8000.00
Maria
Martinez (1887-1980) - San Ildefonso
Here is an uniquely designed plate by Maria Martinez and her son, Popovi Da (1923-1971). Maria made the plates and stone polished them. They were then painted by Popovi Da. He is often considered one of the finest and most innovative painters on pottery at San Ildefonso. They began working together in the late 1950's and beginning about 1960 Popovi Da started to add a firing date to the back or bottom of the pottery. This plate is an early piece as there is not a firing date, but it is signed "Maria / Popovi" in the clay on the back. The design is unusual with the use of the feather pattern to create a pair of wings. Technically this is a difficult pattern to paint, as there design has to be much more symmetrical and even than if there are only feathers. The imagery on this plate is so perfectly painted onto the clay they almost appear as if the wings has simply brushed against the clay. The plate has been fired to dark gunmetal coloration. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.
12" diameter
$15,750.00
Maria
Martinez (1887-1980) - San Ildefonso
If there is one single form which is imbued with the dynamic symbolism and creativity of Maria's pottery, it is her plates. The water serpent design was originated from a story where the avanyu (water serpent) saved the village from a flood. That is why they are usually painted surrounded by clouds and water. This plate was made and polished by Maria while it was painted by her son, Popovi Da (1923-1971). This plate is highly polished and perfectly painted, with a six hump avanyu encircling the central plain "medallion". The firing on this plate is part of its elegance, it is a true gunmetal firing, for which Maria and Popovi Da were famous. The consistent gunmetal coloration encompasses the entire surface. Enlarge the image and note as well the center, which is often on these pieces where there is wear or unevenness of the gunmetal. Simply perfect! This plate is signed in the clay on the back, "Maria / Popovi 663". This means that is was fired in June, 1963, making it an earlier piece of their work. This plate is in spectacular condition, with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. Finding piece by Maria and Popovi of such elegance of design, high shine and in nearly perfect condition, is always exciting and a great addition to any collection! We highly recommend Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" for more information on Maria Martinez and Popovi Da.
12" diameter
$17,000.00 - SOLD
Maria
Martinez (1887-1980) - San Ildefonso
Charming and nearly perfect is the best way to describe this polychrome bowl by Maria Martinez and Popovi Da. Among the pottery of Maria Martinez, her polychrome pieces are among the rarest. They were often experimental and frequently didn't fire to the desired results. While Maria began making polychrome pottery with her husband, Julian Martinez, in many ways it reached it zenith when she was working with her son, Popovi Da (1923-1971). This bowl is from 1966 and the painted surfaces are from guaco (black) and natural clay slips. While this is a smaller polychrome bowl, it is thin walled and one of the few painted with a water serpent (avanyu) as the design. The black areas are painted with a plant derived slip called guaco, which often did not completely turn black in the firing. Take a closer look at the pics and the variations in the black are noticeable. However, it is important that they are visible, as other pieces from this time also had the same problems with the black and it important that the jar has not been over-painted. There is a jar on page 130 of the book "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" with the same firing date (866) and the same variations with the black. This bowl is signed on the bottom, in the clay, "Maria/Popovi 866". It is near perfect condition, with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. It is rare to find polychrome pieces in general but one with such dynamic imagery and charming form are few. This bowl is definitely an important visual representation of Maria's pottery and Popovi Da's painting collaborative genius. We highly recommend Richard Spivey's book, "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" for more information on Maria Martinez and Popovi Da.
4"w x 3"h
$14,000.00 - SOLD
Maria
Martinez (1887-1980) - San Ildefonso
Maria Martinez is certainly among the most important potters of the twentieth century. Her creation of black-on-black pottery helped influence the entire Southwest. This plate is a beautiful example of her pottery from the late 1950's. Throughout her life, Maria only made the pottery, and it was decorated by others in her family. This highly polished plate was painted by her son, Popovi Da (1923-1971). The symmetry of his painting is near perfection, giving the plate a sense of elegance! Popovi Da is often considered one of the finest and most innovative painters on pottery at San Ildefonso. This plate was made in the late 1950's and signed "Maria/Popovi". At this time, they had not yet begun adding the firing date to their pottery. The plate has been fired to a beautiful black coloration, which is in perfect contrast to the matte of the painted surface. Take a closer look and note the center of the plate and even tonality of the firing, which as the plates were fired sitting on top of other pottery, often have a more uneven color in the center. The plate is in very good condition with no cracks, restoration or repair. The previous owners had it in a plate hanger, so there are three very small chips in the rim. While there is nothing structurally wrong with the piece and the chips are tiny, the plate has been priced with them in mind. A large plate of this calibre is always difficult to find and definitely a beautiful addition to any collection!
11.75" diameter
$9800.00
Tonita
Roybal (1892 - 1945) and Juan Roybal (1886 - 1980) - San Ildefonso
It has been a while since we have such a significant piece by Tonita & Juan Roybal. They were contemporaries of Maria and Julian Martinez with pottery made at a similar skill level. This large plate (or open bowl) is extraordinary in form a very deep, rounded form. The plate is fully polished on the front and the back, which is always technically difficult. The designs is an old style "avanyu", which is the tongue/tail pattern in each of the three sections. The combination of the large size, elegant design and polish create a stunning piece! This plate is typical of their work from the 1930's. It is signed "Tonita + Juan". The plate is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. There is some slight wear on the surface typical of the age, which can easily be seen in the photograph. It is always amazing that pieces of this size survive over the years and in such great condition.
13.5" diameter x 3"h
$8800.00 - SOLD
Desideria
Montoya Sanchez (1889 - 1982)
- San Ildefonso
Desideria was a sister of noted potter Maria Martinez. While she also worked in the classic black-on-black style of pottery, her forms and designs are always distinctively different from that of her sister. The small bowl on the left has a sharp shoulder and rise to the rim, giving area for a painted design. The imagery on this bowl is unusual, with the use of bird tail pattern encircling the piece. The tight painting and high polish work together to make this an outstanding piece. The round bowl on the right has more classic style rain and cloud patterns painted above the shoulder. The bowl itself is beautifully polished and a classic San Ildefonso form. Both pieces are in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. They are certainly delicately painted and creative vessels!
Left: Bowl with Bird Tail Patterns 4"w x 4.75"h $700.00
Right: Bowl with Cloud and Rain Patterns 8.5"w x 6.25"h $2000.00
Russell
Sanchez - San Ildefonso
NEW
This bear lidded bowl is a beautiful combination of a variety of techniques. The bowl has twelve circles carved into the clay. They are each polished red or brown and then encircled with shell hei-shi beads. Above the circles is a single band which is surrounded on both sides by hei-shi beads and has copper leafing. Russell has been doing copper and silver leafing on his pottery for over ten years and it adds an additional visual level to his work. The top of the bowl is fully polished red, as is the bear lid. Note on the inside legs of the bear lid they are a black/grey micaceous clay color. The same clay is used near the base of the bowl for the micaceous clay slip. Russell has won "Best of Pottery" at Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum Indian Markets. Russell was also featured in the Fall 2007 issue of Native People's Magazine.
4.5"w x 5.5"h (w/ Lid)
$5000.00
Russell
Sanchez - San Ildefonso
Here are two outstanding blackware pieces by Russell Sanchez. On the left is a wide shoulder jar with a narrow base. The space from the shoulder to the neck is perfect for the intricate design work of plants and bear paws. Around the shoulder he has inlaid three bands of hei-shi beads. The beads are all made by the Calabazas from Santo Domingo Pueblo. The rim of the jar has been toned to be tan, in contrast to the black of the jar itself. The lid is a perfect complement to the piece, making it seem to float on the band of tan on the rim! The base is a micaceous clay slip, which has a near metallic appearance, but also a wonderful texture. On the left is a bear which has been fired to a gunmetal black coloration. Russell is one of the few potters today who can consistently fire to a gunmetal coloration. The bear has shell and turquoise hei-shi beads on its back and it has been "two-toned" to make it tan and there is also a band of dark black before the return of the gunmetal coloration. The bear is very sculptural in appearance with a sharp pointed back and a slight turn to the head. This is a jar you want to hold! Russell's pottery can be found in numerous museums, including the Heard Museum and the Denver Art Museum. He has won "Best of Pottery" at Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum Indian Markets. Russell was also featured in the Fall 2007 issue of Native People's Magazine and won "Best of Pottery" at the 2009 Heard Indian Market!
Left: Jar w/ Lid 7"w x 7"h (w/ lid) $5500.00
Right: Black Bear 4.5"long x 3.25"h x 2.5"w $4000.00
Russell Sanchez - San Ildefonso NEW
Russell Sanchez continues to be one of the true innovators in Pueblo pottery. Each piece is perfectly coil built, stone polished and etched. Here are three exceptional pieces which have been fired red. The jar on the left is one of Russell's classic "mountain scene" vessels. He has sculpted and texturized the rim and used a red clay slip. There are brown polished angular mountains and near the base are highly polished red bears. The bears are stylistically incised into the clay with additional fish around them. The jar is an amazing use of various layers and textures to tell a story in the clay. The bowl in the center is a classic San Ildefonso style with a incised horned water serpent (avanyu) as the main design. The rim is a black micaceous clay which is separated from the red by a single band of turquoise hei-shi beads. The polishing of the red is simply perfect, with a deep, rich coloration. The jar on the right is based on the long neck jars made famous by Russell's great-aunt Rose Gonzales. It is fully polished red with a tan polished neck with three bands of shell hei-shi beads. The lid is also fully polished red. The design is a water pattern, similar in style to that also seen on Rose's carved pottery. The hei-shi beads used in Russell's pottery are all handmade by the Calabaza family of Santo Domingo pueblo. Russell's pottery can be found in numerous museums, including the Heard Museum and the Denver Art Museum. He has won "Best of Pottery" at Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum Indian Markets. Russell was also featured in the Fall 2007 issue of Native People's Magazine and won "Best of Pottery" at the 2009 Heard Indian Market!
Left: Jar w/ Incised Bears & Mtn. Scene 5"w x 5.75"h $5200.00
Center: Bowl w/ Incised Avanyu 4.75"w x 3.25"h $4000.00
Right: Red Jar w/ Lid 3.25"w x 5.75"h $2200.00
Russell
Sanchez - San Ildefonso NEW
This water jar is a charming early example of Russell's early pottery. It is from 1985 and it is a micaceous clay water jar. Typical of his work, the shape is elegant with a double shoulder and a slightly turned out rim. The design is a single incised bear on one side with an inset piece of turquoise. On the opposite side are painted flowers with green and peach colored clay slips. The jar is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. While it is simpler than much of his current work, it is a beautiful reflection of his skill and artistry. Russell's pottery can be found in numerous museums, including the Heard Museum and the Denver Art Museum. He has won "Best of Pottery" at Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum Indian Markets. Russell was also featured in the Fall 2007 issue of Native People's Magazine.
5"w x 5.25"h
$600.00
Russell
Sanchez - San Ildefonso
Few potters have the artistic ability combined with the technical expertise to create pottery of such extraordinary beauty. This lidded bowl brings together many different aspects of Russell's work. The bowl is highly polished and incised with a floral or "paisley" design which Russell was inspired to create based on historic San Ildefonso pottery. The entire piece is fully incised and then fired black to a near gunmetal coloration. The lip of the bowl is "two-toned" to create a black and tan coloration in contrast to the black bear lid. The lid is wonderful with a very sculptural appearance to the bear with the high back and pointed head. Russell's pottery can be found in numerous museums, including the Heard Museum and the Denver Art Museum. He has won "Best of Pottery" at Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum Indian Markets. Russell was also featured in the Fall 2007 issue of Native People's Magazine.
4"w x 6.25"h (w/ Lid)
$5000.00 - SOLD
Russell
Sanchez - San Ildefonso
This is a fantastic piece from Russell from around 2000. It is was originally purchased from the gallery and has come back to use from that collector. It was one of the largest pieces we had of his work at the time, and it is a beautiful form. The bowl is slipped with a micaceous clay, giving it a near metallic appearance. Above the shoulder is an etched water serpent encircling the bowl. Below the shoulder are a series of circles, which were meant to have a universal representation. The elegance of the from is further enhanced by the bear lid, which seems to be looking down at the water serpent and the universe around it. Note the simple square piece of turquoise which Russell inlaid into the eye of the avanyu. This is a dramatic and elegant piece of Russell's pottery. While his work has evolved over the years, the imagery on a piece like this has remained classic for his work. Today he does few pieces this size and this piece is in perfect condition. It is definitely a fantastic addition to a collection!
10"w x 9"h (w/ lid)
$5500.00
Tse-Pe
Gonzales (1940 - 2000) - San Ildefonso
This two pieces by Tse-Pe are from the early 1980's. Tse-Pe was the son of noted potter Rose Gonzales and she taught both him and his wife, Dora, to make pottery. Both pieces are exceptional examples of his innovative designs and use of stones and color in his pottery. The first piece combines polished, sgraffito and inlaid elements. The entire seedpot was fully polished and then a single medallion was etched into the surface. There is a
figurative face and a sun-face. The face of the figure has been "two-toned" so that it is brown and black. Tse-Pe inlaid with turquoise and shell. The figure is facing a sun-face design, which has an inlaid coral hei-shi bead extending out from the surface of the clay. The second piece is a striking jar which is a polished micaceous clay which has been fired black. On one side there is a single incised medallion of a fish, which has been "two-toned" to make it tan. The rim of the jar has also been two-toned. Take a closer look at the incised designs and note how he "chipped" away at the area behind the design, giving the fish greater depth in appearance. There is a single shell bead inset into the piece for the eye of the fish! Tse-Pe was certainly an innovator for his time, and was featured in 1976 in the pivotal book, "7 Families in Pueblo Pottery". Both pieces are in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair, and definitely an important addition to any collection!
Left: Seedpot with Figure and Sun 3"w x 3"h $650.00
Right: Jar with Incised Fish 3.5"w x 4.5"h $800.00 - SOLD
Tse-Pe
Gonzales (1940 - 2000) & Dora (b. 1939) - San Ildefonso
NEW
This stunning jar was made by Dora and incised by her then husband, Tse-Pe. It was made in 1976 at the height of their collaborative work. Tse-Pe was the son of noted potter Rose Gonzales and she taught both him and his wife, Dora, to make pottery. They were also innovators for their time, and were featured in 1976 in the pivotal book, "7 Families in Pueblo Pottery". This jar is a classic shape originated by Rose, with a high, sharp shoulder and an elongated neck. This jar is highly polished with some small gunmetal colorations from the firing. Dora has continued to excel with her stone polished surfaces. The rim has been "two-toned" to contrast with the back of the firing and the design incised around the neck is a water serpent. There is a single shell bead inset for the eye. The style of the water serpent and the textured background area is simply a classic for Tse-pe's pottery. This jar is in fantastic condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. It is signed in the clay on the bottom, "Tse-Pe and Dora, San Ildefonso, 1976". This jar is definitely an exciting addition to any collection!
3.25"w x 4.75"h
$1200.00
Dora Tse-Pe
(b. 1939) - San Ildefonso
NEW
Dora learned to make pottery from her mother-in-law, Rose Gonzales. She continues in a similar style of carving on her pottery to this day. This bowl is a unique example of her pottery, with highly polished red medallions. Each has a different design with a bear. The first medallion has a single bear with a heartline. The second a bear with an inset piece of turquoise. The third has two bears, each with a heartline. All of the medallions are surrounded with inlaid shell hei-shi beads. The remainder of the bowl is a micaceous clay slip in contrast to the polished surfaces of the incised medallions. Dora has won numerous awards for her work and can be found in numerous books, including "The Art of Clay" and "Legacy of Generations".
8.5"w x 5.25"h
$1400.00
Dora
Tse-Pe (b. 1939) - San Ildefonso
Each piece of pottery by Dora Tse-Pe combines traditional forms and designs often inspired by her mother in law, Rose Gonzales. Dora's pottery is perfectly formed, carved and polished. There is a simple elegance to each piece and a wonderful feel holding in one's hands! Here are three very different examples of her pottery. The jar on the left has a classic style avanyu, which is fully polished red. The entire base of the jar is also polished red. The neck has a micaceous clay slip, which is a beautiful contrast to the polished surfaces. Note as well that the neck has been carved with a lightning design and there is also a single inset piece of turquoise for the eye of the avanyu. The bowl in the center is highly polished black and has a tan two-tone medallion with an inset piece of turquoise. On the left is a classic style jar from Dora, with a long neck and a sharp shoulder. The jar is fully polished to a glassy appearance and has a water serpent (avanyu) carved around the shoulder. Dora's style of carving into the clay creates a delicate negative edge for her imagery. Simple, flawless, elegant and beautiful! Dora has won numerous awards for her work and can be found in numerous books, including "The Art of Clay" and "Legacy of Generations".
Left: Red Jar w/ Avanyu 5"w x 5"h $2000.00
Center: Bowl w/ Turquoise Stone 3.5"w x 3.25"h $1000.00
Right: Black Jar with Carved Avanyu 2.75"w x 5.5"h $1600.00