Stunning! This is a silvery “gunmetal” fired jar by Maria Martinez.  The piece was made by Maria Martinez and painted by her daughter-in-law Santana.  The jar has Maria’s classic shape with a sharp shoulder and sloping sides.  It has a very highly polished surface. The design around the neck has the classic elongated feather design.  Below the shoulder are rounded clouds.  What makes the pieces so striking is the coloration from the firing.  It has a true silvery gunmetal coloration, which we don’t see as often in the pottery of Santana as opposed to Maria’s work with Popovi Da.  The jar is signed on the bottom, “Marie + Santana”.  The jar is from the late 1950s.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  This jar is definitely a classic!  

Maria Martinez Signatures