This is a classic jar by Helen Gachupin.  She was a daughter of Andrea Toribio Gachupin. She never married so she had no children to carry on her pottery-making tradition. She was known for her traditional pottery and use of traditional designs.  This is one of her most famous designs.  There is a deer on each side, slipped with gray clay and under a polished rainbow. The deer is painted using clay slips and have a “painterly” style.  Separating the deer are large stylized birds made from rain and cloud designs.  Note the use of the polished tan sections of the birds!  Zia pottery from this time period was made from clay that used basalt for the temper, giving them great structure and endurance.  The base of the jar is polished red and indented.  The jar is signed on the underside, “Helen Gachupin”.   It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  Definitely a classic in clay!