This water jar by Virginia Garcia is a classic shape for Santa Clara pottery.  The jar has a sharp shoulder and elongated neck with a slightly turned-out rim.  There are two impressed bear paws on the neck of the jar.  The entire piece is fully polished.  However, it is the color of the firing for which Virginia is best known.  It is a “plum” color which is almost a brownish-purple coloration.  There are darker black areas from the traditional firing.   She achieved the color by the creativity of how she covered 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 certainly an outstanding example of her skill.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Virginia Garica”.