Maria Martinez (1887–1980), a San Ildefonso Pueblo/Pʼohwhogeh Ówîngeh ceramicist, was one of the 20th century’s most influential and celebrated artists. Her early works were made in collaboration with her husband, Julian (1885–1943). The vessels Maria formed served as a canvas for the designs Julian painted. Both the clay and the clay slips she used were gathered from her homeland in present-day New Mexico. In 1918–20, the couple began to experiment with firing techniques to create shiny black ware pottery with matt-painted designs. Maria’s pottery, characterized by sleek surfaces and sensuous forms, transformed centuries of pottery traditions. The couple demonstrated pottery making at several world’s fairs. This red plate with its cream-colored design was made for the Golden Gate International Exposition held in San Francisco in 1939–40.