Martinez, Maria – Plainware Gunmetal Bowl “Maria Poveka 863”

6"w x 4.5"h

$ 2,600.00

In the 1950s Maria Martinez created a series of pieces that were simply stone polished with no design.  As she primarily made the pottery and polished it this was fitting with the other pieces of her career.  This bowl is highly polished and fired a striking metallic gunmetal coloration from the firing.  It has that “mirror-like” surface for which Maria was famous.  The bowl is signed in the clay, “Maria Poveka 863”. This is a combination of her Anglo and Tewa names.  Her name, “Poveka” means “Water Lilly”.  The firing date of 863 (August 1963) implies that this piece was fired by Popovi Da, her son.  As well, few pieces have such a complete gunmetal appearance and that was a signature of Popovi Da’s firing technique.    It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.   Simply stunning coloration!

Maria Martinez Signatures