WOW!  This is one of the most exceptional early plates we have had by Maria Martinez and her husband, Julian.  Maria would make the pottery and Julian would paint the design.  The plate is large, perfectly painted, and in nearly perfect condition!  The plate has two large parrots, two small birds, two bird wing medallions painted with a hachure design in the center of them.  The fluid composition of the designs at any turn of the plate is Julian at his very best!  The fine lines in each of the bird wings and medallions are so perfectly painted it is amazing!  Interestingly, many of their early plates were under 12″ in diameter, as they were less likely to break in the firing.  As well, is one of the only times I have seen this design on their pottery.  The plate was fired to a silvery-gunmetal coloration.  It is signed on the back in the clay, “Marie + Julian”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  Simply an amazing piece of historic art in clay!  This is definitely one of those exciting pieces by Maria & Julian Martinez which rarely come around to the marketplace!

Maria Martinez Signatures