This is a stunning gunmetal-fired bowl by Maria Martinez and her son, Popovi Da.  Maria made and polished the bowl and then it was painted by her son, Popovi Da  (1923-1971). The bowl is highly polished and has an avanyu encircling the piece.  The avanyu, or water serpent, is a classic design in San Ildefonso pottery.  Note above the avanyu there are clouds.  The piece is fired to a silvery gunmetal appearance.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Maria Popovi 557“. The firing date signature indicates that it was fired in June 1957.   The bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

Maria Martinez Signatures