This is an exceptional storage jar by Jason Ebelacker. The storage jar is a classic shape for Santa Clara pottery.  It is also one which many potters try to achieve and many consider one over 16″ to be a goal height when each added inch adds additional risk.  The shape of the jar has a high shoulder and a short neck. This taller style of storgae jar (as opposed to rounder) is most often associated with the work of Jason’s father Richard Ebelacker, as well as Sarafina Tafoya (Jason’s great-great-grandmother).  The jar is coil built and stone polished.  There are two bear paws as the design on either side.  The bear paw is carved into the clay and then polished.  The use of the bear paw is part of a story where a bear led the Pueblo people to water during a drought.  Jason fired the jar a deep red, which is always a bit more difficult to fire than a black, as the color can vary more dramatically from the flames and smoke.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay.  Jason is a son of noted potter Richard Ebelacker, a grandson of Virginia Ebelacker and great-grandson of Margaret Tafoya.  He has won numerous awards for his pottery and continues to be one of the younger potters to watch.  It’s great to see the continuing evolution of his work in clay and to see him continuing a family tradition of storage jars!