This is an exceptional large carved jar by Daniel Begay. The shape has a low shoulder with straight sides. The piece is fully carved. The top row of designs has two waterfall sections along with cloud patterns. Below are two heartline bears separated by two more waterfall sections. The rim and base are fully polished.  The carved areas are highly polished and create a strong contrast to the matte surfaces. The piece was traditionally fired to a glassy black.  The carving is very deep with clean channels separating the designs. The matte is smooth and perfectly sanded to create the best visual contrast.  This certainly adds to the sophistication of his carving and designs. Note how Daniel’s designs also combine both thin and thicker lines to enhance the imagery.  The style of carving has a beveled appearance to the angle of the cuts into the clay.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Daniel Begay”.