This is a sharp edge 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 piece is highly polished and has the traditional eagle feather pattern painted in matte extending from the rim to the shoulder.  Typical of the work of Popovi Da, the feathers are perfectly painted with each feather nearly the same width as the one next to it. It is remarkable as Popovi painted them free-hand and each feather would be painted over several times.  The firing is a very highly polished black.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Maria Popovi 371“. The signature indicates that it was made around in March 1971.  It has a very interesting provenance as the jar was given to the previous owner’s father to pay for a car repair in 1971!  It is also a very late piece as Popovi Da passed away in late 1971.  The owner’s mother kept it in a box until he recently rediscovered the jar!  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Not just an elegant signed historic jar but one with a great story!  Interestingly, we also have a piece in the gallery by Popovi Da alone which is from March 1971, which means it from the same firing!

Maria Martinez Signatures