This large long neck water jar is stunning piece by Maria Martinez and her son, Popovi Da. Maria made and polished the jar while it was painted by her son, Popovi Da  (1923-1971). The jar is highly polished and has a water serpent (avanyu) as the design.  The neck has a high shine between gunmetal and deep black.  This is an early piece by Maria and Popovi, when he was just beginning to sign the pottery with Maria.  It is also a larger piece of their pottery with the classic elongated neck.  Finding larger pieces in such great condition is always an exciting testament to their creativity and skill as potters!  What is definitely unique about this jar is the double signature!  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Maria Popovi“.  However, it is also signed on the side in the clay and polished over!  I have to admit I didn’t even see it until I was photographing the jar and it showed up in the bright light.  That is definitely something that I have not seen often!  The signature indicates that it was made between 1956 and 1959.   The jar is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  There is one small rub on the side.

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