This is a striking large open, fully polished bowl by Maria Martinez.  It was made and fully polished by Maria Martinez and painted by her daughter-in-law Santana.  The large open bowls by Maria are always difficult to find in good condition. It seems to me there is either a lot of wear on the polished base or a lot of wear on the inside of the bowl.  This bowl is fully painted on the outside rim with a classic feather design.  The inside of the bowl is fully polished.  Interestingly, there is the right proportionality of the height to the width that even when sitting low, you can see the design on the side contrasting with the polished interior.  The bowl was fired a deep black coloration. It is signed on the back in the clay, “Marie + Santana”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  Definitely a classic in both size and design!  

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