Begay, Jr., Harrison – Large Bear Effigy Jar

9.5"long x 7.25"h

$ 3,500.00

This is an exceptional piece by Harrison Begay, Jr..  He has won numerous awards over the years for his deep carved pottery.  This is one of his iconic “effigy jars” and the first time we have seen one with bears!  The jar has two bears carved in relief on the top of the piece. The bear heads are fully polished and have the ears and faces in relief.  The body of the jar is oval and fully carved.  There is a bear on each side with stars, rain, water or cloud designs.  Not the complexity and variety of carving as the jar is turned!  There is also a striking contrast of both polished and matte surfaces.  The polished sections stand out more in contrast to the matte areas.  The jar has fired a reddish-brown.  The top is browner and the bottom redder.  Because it is traditionally fired, there is more of a risk in the firing and also unique coloration from the firing.  The bears on each side are definitely different colorations!   Note as well the style of carving, which has a beveled appearance to the angle of the cuts into the clay. This is a very distinctive style of carving for his pottery.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay.