This is an early wide shoulder bowl by Maria Martinez. It is from 1920-25 and it was made and polished by Maria Martinez and painted by her husband, Julian Martinez.  It was not until around 1925 that they began to sign both names to the pottery.  The bowl is also fully polished on the bottom, which is also more indicative of her early work. The bowl is fully polished on the outside and bottom.  It is painted with an unusual snow pattern encircling the piece.  There are snow clouds and mountains encircling the piece in a horizontal manner.  The bowl was fired to a glossy black coloration.  The bowl is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Marie”.  The inside of the bowl had some varnish which has been mostly removed but still has a bit of shine.  It isn’t uncommon to see this on the inside of the pieces and it actually probably saved them from being damaged with water!   Definitely a classic in shape, with unusual designs!

Maria Martinez Signatures