Maria Martinez (1887-1980) - San Ildefonso Black on Black Plate with Fluted Rim c. 1920s, 9" diameter

This pottery is in very good condition. There are areas with faint scratches and minor surface wear. Signed "Marie" on the bottom. Ex California collection. The owner inherited this from her parents, who each served in World War II at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. Her parents shared an appreciation for Native American arts and crafts and collected Native American art, including pottery and baskets. In 1966, the owner and her husband, who was a professional potter, began participating in an annual festival at St. Andrew’s Abbey in Valleyermo, California. There, they met Acoma potter Lucy Lewis and her family, and sometimes traded pottery with them. Lucy and her family would use the owner’s husband’s pottery at Sky City for ceremonies, and their friendship lasted many years. In the early 1970s, Lucy and her daughters visited their home in Claremont, California, and presented them with a large pottery piece she had made for them. This collection has been preserved behind glass for about 50 years. A letter from the owner is included with this piece.