This is a clasic piece by Joel McHorse.  He is a son of noted potter Christine McHorse. This piece is called, “Ascension” and the finial for the lid is silver and made from the lost wax method.  The piece as cast flat and then pulled and stretched to create the spiral from.  The silver is attached to the lid using padded screws so that it will not damage the clay. The jar and lid are both made from micaceous clay, and then reduction-fired black.   The lid fits perfectly, and it is surmounted by a silver finial, which Joel has made.  Amazingly, he is as much a jeweler as a potter and an architect!   The shape and motion of the silver work create a dynamic sense of motion, especially in combination with the simplicity and sparkle of the black-fired micaceous clay.  Joel’s pottery can be found in museums such as the IAIA Museum, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts/Peabody Essex, and the Heard Museum. It is signed “Joel McHorse,” and it is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.