1 7

SKU: 22-0232

San Ildefonso Pottery By Lupita Vigil Martinez

$390.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

ca 1950
5.25x5.5

Fine polished blackware with shoulder at midpoint and graceful elongated neck. 
From a Private Colorado Collection
Excellent Condition

Lupita Vigil Martinez (1919–2011) was a distinguished Native American potter from San Ildefonso Pueblo in northern New Mexico, renowned for her black-on-black pottery that contributed to the revival and evolution of traditional Pueblo ceramic techniques in the early to mid-20th century. Born into a family deeply connected to the San Ildefonso pottery tradition, she was the daughter of Santana Vigil and married Anselmo Martinez in 1939, linking her to the extended Martinez family. Her aunt was the esteemed potter Isabel Atencio, and her grandmother, Nicolasa Montoya, was a pivotal figure who taught the legendary Maria Martinez the art of pottery-making, passing down ancestral knowledge through generations.

kinggalleries.com
This heritage immersed Lupita in the world of clay from a young age, fostering her lifelong dedication to the craft.Martinez began her pottery career around 1935, honing her skills in the traditional coil-building method using locally sourced clay from the Pueblo lands. She became particularly noted for her polished blackware vessels, which featured intricate geometric designs, kiva steps, and feather motifs inspired by Tewa cultural symbols and the natural Southwest landscape. Her work aligned closely with the innovations of Maria Martinez, her relative by marriage—Lupita was the niece of Maria and Julian Martinez through her union with Anselmo, the son of Julian's brother, Louis Martinez. This familial tie allowed her to participate in the broader movement to restore and modernize black-on-black pottery, a technique that involved smothering the firing pit to achieve the signature matte and glossy contrasts.

adobegallery.com
 Active until the 1980s, she produced a range of forms, from jars and bowls to more sculptural pieces, often signed simply "Lupita" or "Lupita San Ildefonso."

Condition: Excellent

Tribe: San Ildefonso

Year Range: 1950 - 1975

Region: Southwest

Dimensions: 5.25 in5.5 in

Category: Pottery Bowls and Jars Post 1940

Artist: Martinez, Lupita

Shipping & Returns

We offer worldwide shipping on all antique pieces. Each item is carefully packaged to ensure safe delivery. Returns accepted within 14 days of delivery for items in original condition.

Authenticity Guarantee

Every piece in our collection comes with a certificate of authenticity. Our experts carefully verify the provenance and age of each item before it is offered for sale.