Martinez, Maria – Gunmetal Plate with Avanyu (Maria + Santana, 1954-6)

10.5" diameter

$ 4,400.00

Nearly perfection!  This is a stunning gunmetal fired plate by Maria Martinez.  It was made by Maria Martinez and painted by her daughter-in-law Santana Martinez (the wife of Adam Martinez, Maria’s son).  The plate is fully polished and painted with an avanyu encircling the piece.  The avanyu is surrounded by clouds above its back.  The water serpent (avanyu) is very tightly painted.  The plate is fired a strong gunmetal coloration that comes from a high fire.  The back is matte.  What makes the plate “nearly perfect” is the combination of size, design, and coloration.   It is certainly a visual identifier to Maria’s pottery.  The plate is signed on the back in the clay, “Maria + Santana”.  It is from the 1954-6 period of her work.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.    

Maria Martinez Signatures