Lupita Martinez (1918-2006) Pueblo, Blackware Pottery Vase. San Ildefonso Pueblo hand-coiled blackware pottery jar featuring a smooth, highly polished finish and a rounded spherical form.

Size: 6 x 6 x 7 1/2 in.

Lupita Martinez (1918–2006) was a San Ildefonso Pueblo potter whose work belongs to the distinguished tradition of Native American black-on-black pottery. Born into San Ildefonso Pueblo, she was the daughter of Santana Vigil and a member of a prominent pottery-making family: her grandmother Nicolasa Montoya taught Maria Martinez, while her extended family included noted artists such as Tonita Roybal, Isabel Atencio, Popovi Da, Carmelita Vigil, Tse Pe, and Blue Corn. Martinez likely learned pottery by observing and working alongside her grandmother and other relatives, continuing the community’s tradition of hand-coiled vessels and polished, intricately decorated surfaces. Her surviving works include black-on-black jars featuring geometric and kiva-step designs, reflecting the distinctive aesthetic of San Ildefonso pottery.

All items are sold AS IS. Lot and condition details are for descriptive purposes only. Sarasota Estate Auction is not responsible for errors and/or omissions of condition. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is perfect or free from wear, flaws, or characteristics of age. Please bid according to your own expertise, or request any additional information and/or photographs you deem necessary.