Stunning!  This is an exquisite water jar by Preston Duwyenie.  The water jar is made from micaceous clay and fired black.  The multiple layers of micaceous clay give the jar a metallic appearance to the surface.  The shape is a classic double shoulder water jar with a fluted rim.   The jar is entitled, “Shards” and Preston has taken cast 21 silver “shards” against cuttlefish bone.  Each “shard” is the cut and a space carved into the clay before the jar is fired.  After it is fired, each piece is then put into the jar and it is etched around the silver. Each silver piece has the appearance of “shifting sands”, much in a similar style to the pottery where he has carved a shifting sand pattern.  The complement of the silver and the silvery color of the micaceous clay is perfection!  The last two photos show the jar before it was fired and after it was fired black (before insetting the silver).   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.