Lela Gutierrez began making pottery in the 1930s with her husband, Van Gutierrez.  After Van passed away in 1956 she continued to make pottery with her son, Luther Gutierrez. This jar is polished at the base and polychrome painted above the shoulder.  All the various colors were derived from clay slips. The jar has a bird head and bird tail feather designs. Note the use of various colors, and especially the purple, that we see in their earlier work.  Typical of their earlier painted pieces, there is open space along with complex designs.  Definitely a fascinating piece! It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.   It is signed, “Lela  Van” on the bottom.