This is certainly one of the most unique jars we have had by Maria Martinez.  The jar is from the 1920’s and it was made by Maria Martinez and her husband, Julian.  It is the actual form, with the indented sections around the shoulder, which is so unusual!  Maria is known for her traditional shapes and highly polished surfaces.  In the 1920’s, this long neck style of jar was one of her most classic forms.  The last image in this post shows her working on a jar with indented sides!  It is not a style which she made after the 1920’s and this is one of the first I have seen in person.  However, each indention is fully polished, as is the entire jar. The neck was painted by Julian and there is a cloud pattern and a turned out neck.  The jar was traditionally fired and has a nearly gunmetal appearance.  It is a creative piece of her pottery and an extraordinary part of the history of her pottery.  The jar is signed, “Marie” in the bottom.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  There are few small surface scratches, but nothing unexpected with the age of the jar.  It is not just exciting but an honor to have such a historically important jar come back into the gallery!

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