This is a visually striking larger plate by Maria Martinez and her son, Popovi Da. Maria made and polished the plate while it was painted by her son, Popovi Da  (1923-1971). The plate is highly polished and has a feather pattern as the main design.  The surface of the plate is stunning and beautifully reflects the light.  The feathers are very tightly painted, which is typical of the early pieces from the late 1950s.  This piece has a great provenance story. The original owner was friends with Alice Marriot (who wrote the book Maria The Potter of San Ildefonso).  In 1960 he went with Alice to meet Maria at San Ildefonso and purchased this plate and the avanyu bowl.  There is a photo of both pieces, along with some other pieces (see last photo). The photo has a date of 1961.  No wonder the plate is such a spectacular gunmetal firing!  In the first two photos, they are a half turn, to reflect the surface from top to bottom.  It is STUNNING!  It is signed on the back in the clay, “Maria Popovi“. The signature indicates that it was made around 1956-9.   The plate is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

Maria Martinez Signatures