This is a long neck water jar 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 the classic water serpent (avanyu) painted around the shoulder. This particular shape, with the round body and the elongated neck, is one which is easily one of Maria’s most famous forms.  The firing is nearly gunmetal in coloration with a very high shine.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Maria Popovi 365“. The signature indicates that it was made around in March, 1965.  Interestingly, there is also the invoice from the original purchase!  What a great addition to the provenance.  The jar is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.

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