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 four large sections of designs extending down the sides of the jar.  They represent the four seasons of Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall.  Frederica has also painted linear bands using different colors of clay slips.  There is a larger cloud pattern which separates each “season”.  Around the top of the jar is a star pattern which can be seen when looking down from the top.  From the sides, it is also made up of numerous stars as well!  Exceptional in planning and design!   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 in 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.