This is a large jar by Maria Martinez and her husband, Julian.  Maria made the pottery, and Julian painted the designs.  The jar is an elegant shape with a round shoulder and short neck.  It is fully polished and painted with an avanyu (water serpent) design.  The avanyu is tightly painted.  Above the avanyu are clouds.  The jar is from the 1920s and it was traditionally fired a silvery black coloration.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Marie”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It’s not often we see such large early pieces in such great condition!

Maria Martinez Signatures