This bowl is a classic piece by Maria Martinez and her son, Popovi Da. Maria made and polished the bowl while it was fired by her son, Popovi Da  (1923-1971). Popovi focused on both the painted surfaces of the pottery as well as the firings.  This bowl is a true gunmetal with a metalic appearance across most of the surface. The design is a water serpent (avanyu), which encircles the piece.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Maria / Popovi 1161”.  The firing date is when the pottery was made, so this bowl was from November, 1961. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.   Great gunmetal fired pieces by Maria and Popovi with such high polished surface are always stunning and a great addition to any collection!

To learn more about Maria’s signatures, click here.