This is a charming gunmetal fired plate by Maria Martinez and her son, Popovi Da. Maria made and polished the plate while it was painted by her son, Popovi Da  (1923-1971). The plate is highly polished and is one of his few pieces which has an animal motif.  This plate has a pueblo style deer painted on the surface.  Below the deer is a plant design.  Popovi Da was an accomplished painter in the San Ildefonso two-dimensional style and this plate captures that style of his art.  The deer is beautifully painted in motion.  It was only from 1956-9  that Popovi painted these pieces, which are among the most sought after and best of his career!   It is  signed on the back in the clay, “Maria Popovi“. The signature indicates that it was made around 1956-9.    The plate is also published in the book, “The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez” by Richard Spivey, on page 89.  It is always a plus to have a piece which has been published in a significant book for both future authenticity and value.  The plate is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.

To learn more about Maria’s signatures, click here.[column size=”two-third”][/column]