Watch & Learn
Indian Pottery how to Identify Antique San Ildefonso Polychrome Pottery
Master San Ildefonso Pueblo Potter Tony Da
How to identify Tony Da Pottery with host Dr. Mark Sublette
San Ildefonso Pottery
San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico is known for the beautiful blackware pottery style known as “black on black,” first created by the famed potter Maria Martinez and her husband, Julian Martinez, in the 1920s. This pottery style features a highly-polished black finish with intricate geometric designs painted on the surface in matte grey. Another stylistic innovation seen in San Ildefonso pottery are designs carved into the side of the vessel in high relief. A popular carved design is the “avanyu,” or Tewa water deity, which looks like a plumed serpent undulating around the vessel. In addition to Maria Martinez, notable contemporary San Ildefonso potters include Blue Corn (1921-1999), Carmelita Dunlap (1920-2000), and Maria’s grandson, Tony Da (1940-2008).
Russell Sanchez: San Ildefonso Master Pueblo Potter - Epi. 115, Host Dr. Mark Sublette
Had a wonderful discussion with the contemporary pueblo potter Russell Sanchez of San Ildefonso pueblo. I've known Russell Sanchez for at least 30 years and we had a nice talk about what it means to be a potter and how pottery became his chosen field, including his tutelage from the famed pueblo potters Rose Gonzales and Tony and Anita Da who influenced him.