This is a creative jar by Tony Da.  The jar is coil-built, stone polished, etched, and traditionally fired red. The turquoise was added after the firing. The jar is one of a series he made in 1971-2 after his father, Popovi Da passed away.  They are the first variation from the more “classic” designs of 1967-71.  What makes these special is that you can see that the shape is different with the sharp shoulder and elongated neck.  More importantly, the designs on these pieces are more unusual with stylized plant patterns and round turquoise insets.  The designs are an integral part of these pieces as Tony can be seen experimenting with the creations of his own design, expanding from just the classic San Ildefonso and Mimbres imagery seen in his earlier work.  There is also a conceptual connection in these designs to the polychrome pottery from the 1880s-1920 when plant and geometric imagery dominated the surfaces.  Tony etched all of his designs before the piece was fired, to create tighter lines in the clay.  The piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “DA”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  This is certainly a rarity and transitional piece of Tony’s, reflecting his continued impact on Pueblo pottery.  The pottery of Tony Da remains an important addition to any collection!