This is an exceptional carved jar by Daniel Begay. The shape is square, from the base to the rim. There are carved butterflies, feathers, and cloud designs. The jar is very deeply carved.  The designs are highly polished with areas left matte to accentuate the imagery.  There is a dynamic flow of design across the surface of the jar.  The quantity of carving is quite extraordinary!  The jar was traditionally fired black with a silvery appearance to the surface.  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”.