Diaz, Tina – Red and Tan Jar with Avanyu and Clouds

3.5"w x 5"h

$ 700.00

Tina Diaz has skillfully created her own unique style of carving pottery.  She is one of only a handful of Santa Clara potters who has mastered the technique of polishing her pottery tan.  The tan is the natural color of the clay and the most difficult to polish to achieve a high shine.  This red and tan jar with a classic avanyu (water serpent) encircling the piece.  It is intricately carved with elaborate designs for the body of the piece.  Note the various sections which create swirls and various angles for the design.  Surrounding the avanyu are clouds and a lightning design near the rim.  Interestingly, Tina’s pieces are always fully carved which gives them a very dramatic appearance.  It is always technically difficult to carve such sharp angles and delicate edges into the clay.  The background has the traditional cream-colored slip, which few potters use today because it is difficult to apply.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Tina Diaz”.