Maria Martinez Blackware plate
Maria Martinez (1887-1980) San lldefonso pueblo blackware plate, ca. 1920-1925.
It has scratches but no cracks or chips on top. It must of been used to store things inside.
Signature on back is just Marie. By 1923, Maria began signing Marie on pieces made by her and Julian. His name was omitted because making pottery was "woman's work." Pottery made by Maria and painted by Julian, signed Marie, was most probably made between 1920 and 1925.
Maria Martinez made this jar by mixing clay with volcanic ash found on her pueblo and building up the basic form with coils of clay that she scraped and smoothed with a gourd tool. Once the jar had dried and hardened, she polished its surface with a small stone. Her husband Julian then painted on the design with liquid clay, producing a matte surface that contrasts with the high polished areas. During the firing process, the oxygen supply was cut off, producing carbon smoke that turned the jar black.
Measures: 10" diameter x 5/8"