This water jar by Virginia Garcia is a classic shape for Santa Clara pottery.  The jar has a round shoulder and a slightly turned-out rim.  There are two impressed bear paws on the neck of the jar.  The entire piece is fully polished.  However, the color of the firing makes Virginia best known.  It is a “plum” color that is almost brownish-purple.  There are darker black areas from the traditional firing.   She achieved the color by creatively covering the piece when it was fired.  This jar is very highly polished and has a stunning shine.  While Virginia is no longer making pottery, this is undoubtedly an outstanding example of her skill.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Virginia Garcia.”