This is an exceptional large, early piece by Maraia Martinez.  It’s rare to find pieces from this period in such great condition and with such a fascinating design.  This jar is from 1920-25 and it was made and polished by Maria Martinez and painted by her husband, Julian.  These early pieces are signed, “Marie”, although Julian was painting the designs.  It was not until around 1925 that they began to sign both names to the pottery.   The jar has a wide shoulder and sloping sides.  It is painted with four seed or plant designs that encircle the jar.  There is a precision to the design that is visually striking and how it matches the form.  The jar is highly polished and traditionally fired a glassy, almost silvery black.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Marie”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. The piece was featured in the 2022 Native Art Magazine in an article about Maria Martinez and her family.

Maria Martinez Signatures