Nathan Begaye was a unique innovator among Pueblo and Navajo potters.  His ethnic connection to both Hopi and Navajo let his work flow between the two distinctive styles and yet find their own unique space.  His pottery used traditional designs, forms and techniques, yet somehow appeared very modern.  This large jar by Nathan is coil built and stone polished vertically to create an “onion skin” appearance to the surface.  The jar is then painted with different clay slips of various colors. All his different colors were always natural clays.  The design on this jar takes it inspiration from the ancient Tularosa pottery and their swirl patterns, as well as the cloud designs on Hopi pottery.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.