Maria Martinez & Popovi Da Black Clay Vessel 1950s

No design black clay pot highly polished “gun metal” effect. Signed Maria Popovi 271

Excellent condition

Apporximately 3-1/4 inches height by 3-3/4 inches diameter

Maria Martinez (1884 - 1980) Popovi Da (1922 - 1971)

This is a superb example of San Ildefonso blackware created by Maria Martinez. These undecorated black polished vessels are some of the most beautiful pottery made by her. Their beauty is in the shape and burnish, and decoration is unnecessary. Without some of the visual excess of the painted works, these blackware pieces can be truly appreciated from a more minimal, formalist stance. In this work, proportion, scale, and excellence of polish are key factors.

Maria Martinez became so admired for her skill that she was specially invited to the White House four times, and she received honorary doctorates from the University of Colorado and New Mexico State University. She is considered one of the most influential Native Americans of the 20th century.