Carmelita Dunlap is best known for her large vessels.  However, it is nice to see that on her smaller work she created pieces with equal precision and detailed painting.  This is one of the few pieces we have seen of her work with a water serpent as the design.  In keeping with her more distinctive style of imagery, the avanyu on this jar has more distinctive horn and tongue.  As well, the bottom of the jar is fully painted with intricate rain and cloud patterns.  The shape itself certainly has a more classic style with a very round body and slight neck. Visually the open space above the avanyu and below the clouds around the neck work nicely to show off the polishing!  The jar is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is signed, “Carmelita Dunlap” on the base in the clay.