Gilbert Atencio is a name synonymous with classic two-dimensional style paintings at San Ildefonso Pueblo.  He is undoubtedly one of the most famous of the painters yet he also made a few pieces of pottery throughout his career.  Gilbert was a son of Isabel Montoya Atencio and a nephew of Maria Martinez.  His sister Helen Gutierrez was a well known potter.  This jar has a classic feel to the shape and it is highly polished red.  The design around the neck is a feather pattern with a stylized mountain steppe design separating the sections.  Around the shoulder are checkerboard painted panels and rain designs.  The style and placement of the imagery has a very planned appearance and works perfectly with the shape of the jar.  It is painted with the traditional cream colored clay on the red polished surface. The jar is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  This is certainly a dramatic piece and exciting to see one of the few pieces he made during his career