This is an unusual red bowl by Maria Martinez and her husband, Julian Martinez.  Maria would make the pottery and Julian would paint the design.  The bowl is one of Maria’s classic shapes with a high shoulder.  It is painted around the shoulder with interlocking clouds and prayer feather designs.  Interestingly, while the black-on-black style was created around 1919-20, the redware was not introduced until around 1925.  This bowl was traditionally fired, creating color variations on the surface.  The base is fully polished, and it is signed on the bottom, “Marie + Julian”.  There is also a date of 1934.  The date was most likely added by them, as I have seen quite a few pieces of their work as well as Tonita Roybal with dates throughout the 1930s.  It could be they were entered for a show or competition and they chose or were asked, to date them.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It’s not often that we see Maria’s red pieces in this size and condition.  Definitely an important piece of her pottery.

Maria Martinez Signatures