Maria Martinez (1887–1980) and Julian Martinez (1879–1943)
Black-on-Black Bowl (c. 1917–1921)
Clay
Gift of the William H. and Lalla D. Landess Trust
Maria Martinez and Julian Martinez of San Ildefonso Pueblo are among the most celebrated Indigenous ceramic artists in American history. Their partnership not only revitalized Pueblo pottery traditions in the early 20th century but also introduced them to global audiences as timeless expressions of Indigenous identity and artistic innovation.
This Black-on-Black Bowl, created between 1917 and 1921, represents the groundbreaking technique for which the Martinezes are best known: applying matte designs over a polished black slip to create a richly nuanced monochromatic surface. The technique—now iconic—was developed through careful experimentation with traditional firing methods and surface treatments, blending ancestral knowledge with artistic exploration.
Julian, an accomplished painter and cultural historian, often painted the designs—symbolic motifs rooted in Tewa cosmology, nature, and ceremonial life—while Maria formed the vessels by hand using ancient coiling techniques. Their collaborative process elevated pottery from utilitarian ware to fine art while remaining deeply embedded in cultural continuity.
This bowl is more than a beautiful object—it is a cultural milestone. It embodies resilience, revival, and the power of Indigenous creativity. Maria’s legacy has influenced generations of Native artists, and her work remains central to museum and private collections around the world.
