Martinez, Santana & Adam – Jar with Feathers, Rain Clouds and Bear Track (1987)

This is a classic jar by Santana and Adam Martinez.  Adam was the youngest son of Maria Martinez, and Santana (his wife) painted Maria’s pottery in the 1940-50s.  The entire surface of this piece is fully polished.  A feather design is painted on the jar, separated by a rain and lightning pattern. Below the shoulder are a raincloud and bear track.  The jar was fired a deep black coloration.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Santana + Adam”. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  There is the original invoice with the piece, purchased in 1987.

Brand

Martinez, Santana (1909 - 2002) & Adam (1904 - 2000)

Adam Martinez was the son of a renowned potter, Maria Martinez. He worked on pottery with his wife, Santana Roybal Martinez.  She was the niece of Tonita Roybal.  The Roybal family were noted for their paintings. Santana also painted the designs on Maria's pottery from the 1940s to the 1950s.  Santana and Adam worked together on pottery from the 1960s to the 90s.  Their work is classic black-on-black in style.