5239-01 San Ildefonso Pueblo Pottery Jar By Maria and Julian Martinez
ca. 1925-1943
Size 8.75" H x 9.5" D
Black on Blackware Signed Marie Graceful Form Very High Polish Very Light Wear Overall in Excellent Condition
Maria Martinez (1887–1980) and Julian Martinez (1879–1943), a Tewa couple from San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico, are renowned for their revolutionary black-on-black pottery, which revitalized Pueblo pottery traditions in the 20th century. Maria, a master potter, shaped the vessels using traditional coil techniques, mixing clay with volcanic ash and polishing the surface with a stone for a high-gloss finish. Julian, a skilled painter, decorated the pots with matte designs, often featuring cultural motifs like the Avanyu (a Tewa water deity), feathers, or geometric patterns.
Their collaboration began around 1918 when they perfected the black-on-black technique, inspired by archaeological discoveries of blackware shards. This method involved polishing the entire pot, applying matte clay slip for designs, and firing in a low-oxygen environment to create the iconic black finish. Their work, signed "Marie + Julian" from 1925 until Julian’s death in 1943, gained international acclaim, winning awards at events like the 1925 New York State Fair and the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.