This a very intricately painted jar by Maria Martinez and her husband, Julian.  Maria would make and polish the pottery and Julian would paint the design.  This jar has a round shape and an elongated neck. It is a more typical early water jar shape.  The piece is highly polished and it is an unusually complex design.  There are cloud, rain, and wind patterns encircling jar.  Julian has not only used the painted areas but the negative space to create designs.  This allows the design to flow easily around the jar and certainly reflects the creativity of Julian’s artistry.  The piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Marie + Julian”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair. It is always great to see such creative early work, especially a design I haven’t seen before, by Maria and Julian in such good condition!

Maria Martinez Signatures