Pueblo Blackware Pottery Bowl
Ceramic vessel, small bowl • Sophie Martinez, San Ildefonso Pueblo
Style & Movement
Native American Art, San Ildefonso Black-on-Black tradition
Medium & Technique
Hand-coiled clay, stone-polished (burnished) with reduction firing technique
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century
Dimensions & Format
Small handheld format, approximately 3 to 4 inches in diameter; rounded spherical form
Subject Description
A rounded utilitarian-style ceramic bowl with a highly polished black finish, characteristic of the San Ildefonso Pueblo potters. The piece features a smooth, undecorated surface focusing on the sheen and form of the vessel.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible light surface abrasions and minor scuffs commensurate with age and handling.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Incised signature on the base reads 'Sophie Martinez St. Ildefonso Pueblo.' Likely acquired through the Southwest art market or directly from the artist.
Art Historical Significance
Sophie Martinez is a recognized potter from the San Ildefonso Pueblo, known for her contributions to the blackware tradition popularized by Maria Martinez. This piece represents the high-quality craftsmanship of the mid-20th-century Pueblo pottery revival.
Notable Features
Clearly legible hand-incised signature on the base; high-gloss burnished finish achieved through hand-polishing with a stone rather than glazing.
Condition Issues
Fine surface scratches and minor dulling of the burnished surface in small areas; shelf wear on the base.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a stable environment away from high humidity. Clean only with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid water or chemical cleaners which can damage the carbon-trap surface.