Stunning!  This is an exquisite water jar by Preston Duwyenie.  The water jar is made from micaceous clay and slipped with a micaceos clay mixed with red Santa Clara clay.  The coloration is a striking red with the sparkle of the mica. The water jar has a double shoulder and a fluted or “Rain drop” rim. The undulating shape of the rim is always technically difficult to create. The jar has six inset piece of silver, each cast from cuttlefish bone. The silver pieces are inset into the jar after the firing and represent three maidens with tablitas on their heads. The area around the silver pieces are lightly etched with additional designs.  The angles created by the shape of the jar along with the color of the clay and the complement of the mica and silver give the jar its stunning appearance!  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay with Preston’s hallmark, which means “carried in beauty”.  There is certainly something both modern and ancient about this striking piece!   Preston is from Third Mesa at Hopi, and taught ceramics for years at Institute of American Indian Art (IAIA) in Santa Fe.  He is married to pottery Debra Duwyenie and now resides at Santa Clara Pueblo.  Preston has won numerous awards for pottery, including “Best of Show” at the Heard Indian Market.