Frederica Antonio is renown for her intricately painted pottery. Each piece is coil built and then finely painted. Her designs are a series of fine vertical and horizontal lines which are then filled in to create larger images in the squares.  This water jar is a classic shape for Acoma pottery, with a high shoulder and short neck. There are two sections which are painted in four colors with triangular shapes. This is meant to be the sunrise and sunset.  The various colors are from natural clay slips.  Note the angular lines running through the pattern, which Frederica said is a rain pattern.  Separating these two areas are her classic ‘checkerboard’ patterns.  On one side is a star pattern and the opposite has a lightning design.  However, Frederica pointed out how this design draws the eye in multiple directions and she worked to have it read both left and right.  Interestingly, the entire jar is first painted black on white.  Frederica then paints all the different clay colors and then had to go back over all the black lines again one more time!  The level of complexity and time involved on the painting of this piece is extraordinary!  The result, however, is stunning with a dynamic appearance and movement to the designs.  The base of the jar is concave, reminiscent of historic Acoma jars which were carried on the head.  This combination of thin walls, classic shape, and tightly painted design create a piece which is visually stunning!  The jar is signed on the bottom.