Harrison Begay, Jr. has won numerous awards over the years for his deep-carved pottery.  This larger jar is fully carved and a distinctive form. The jar has three handles and the idea comes from the canteens and yet it has a more stylistic appearance the three handles add both difficulties (that they could crack during firing) and also an aesthetic balance.   Of course, it is a vessel for holding water, so the theme of the jar is that of water creatures!  The jar has two turtles carved into the clay. The back of each turtle is carved with a different design.  Separating the two turtles are water bands and star patterns.  The designs are either polished or matte, which Harrison alternates to accentuate his imagery. 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, “Harrison Begay, Jr.”.It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.