This is an intricately painted bowl by Maria Martinez and her husband, Julian.  Maria would make and polish the pottery and Julian would paint the design.  They began to sign “Marie + Julian” after about 1925.  This design is an interesting one as it is a series of bird wings and clouds. What makes it unusual is the hachure or “checkerboard” design in the wings.  This is a style of painting typical of Julian’s pottery in the 1920s but is rarely used in the 1930s. Julian was masterful in his painting and note how the designs are painted on the shoulder to emphasize the form. The bowl was fired a glassy deep black in coloration.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Marie + Julian”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  This is definitely one of those exciting pieces by Maria & Julian Martinez which rarely come around and add to our understanding of the art form!  The last photo is one of Julian taking the pottery out of the firing.

Maria Martinez Signatures