A Maria Martinez and Popovi Da black and sienna vase


San Ildefonso, 1170, of classic form, the blackware body with repeat feather pattern about the shoulder, the rising neck transitioning to a sienna column bisected by a polished black band, framed by painted buff motifs, the inner rim reverting to a black interior.height 13in, diameter 8 1/2in
|IllustratedJacka, Jerry & Gill, Spencer, 1976, Pottery Treasures: The Splendor of Southwest Indian Art, Graphic Arts Center, Portland, OR, p.39The significance of the present lot within the broad body of work created over the decades by Maria Martinez is indicated by the date of November 1970, inscribed on the underside of the vessel. "If Po had not been working closely with Maria, she probably would have retired in the early 1960s. With her advancing years, pottery-making became increasingly difficult. She no longer made large pieces, and even the small pieces became heavier in contrast to the fine, thin-walled pottery of earlier years. During the last few years Po would straighten some of the pottery before it began to dry, since it was not always totally symmetrical. Maria did retire from pottery-making in November 1970, although she continues at times to demonstrate the making of a small piece." Spivey, Richard L., 1979, Maria, Northland Press, Flagstaff, AZ, p.86. With Popovi's untimely death a year later, based on this timeline this vessel may very well be the final major work completed by the legendary potter and her son.