TWO SIGNED LUPITA MARTINEZ AND PAULINE MARTINEZ BLACK-ON-BLACK POTTERY FROM THE SAN ILDEFONSO PUEBLO IN NEW MEXICO. Two signed LUPITA MARTINEZ and PAULINE MARTINEZ black-on-black pottery from the San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico. San Ildefonso Black-on-Black Pottery is known for its highly polished, deep black finish achieved through a specific firing process that smothers the fire with manure, causing a heavy smoke that blackens the pots. The decoration is often created by using a matte finish slip (clay and water mixture) over the polished surface, resulting in the distinct "black-on-black" look. Both pieces are signed.
ARTIST PROFILE: Larger Pot: Signed "LUPITA MARTINEZ, SAN ILDEFONSO." Lupita Martinez (1927-2000) was an accomplished and well-known potter from San Ildefonso Pueblo. She was the daughter of Anna Maria Montoya Martinez (Maria Martinez's sister) and Juan Isidro Martinez. She was known for her beautifully polished blackware.
ARTIST PROFILE: Smaller Pot is signed "Pauline" which likely refers to PAULINE MARTINEZ (1923-2016), another prominent potter from the San Ildefonso Pueblo, known for her small, elegant blackware pieces. The form of this pot, with the carved horizontal band, is a common and traditional design. - Height: (Larger pot): 8 inches; smaller pot: 3.25 inches. Estimate $200-250
