This is an intricately painted lidded jar by Dolores Curran.  Before she began making her carved pieces, she was well known for her delicately painted buff-on-red pottery.  The jar is fully polished red, as is the lid. The surface is then painted with a cream or buff colored clay which is matte in contrast to the highly polished surface.  It’s the painting which is so complex, as Dolores would paint each piece up to five times to get the color of the matte painted areas deep and consistent enough!  This piece has a feather pattern encircling the shoulder of the piece.  Below the feathers is a water serpent (avanyu) and above are clouds.  Around the neck are kiva step patterns.  The is a wonderful shape which delicately complements the shape of the jar.  The jar is signed on the bottom.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.