Gonzales, Cavan – 10″ Tall Polychrome Water Jar with Feather Design, Polished Base (2003) Ribbon

Stunning!  This is a striking large water jar by Cavan Gonzales. He is a descendant of Maria Martinez, through her son Adam Martinez.  Cavan is one of the few potters today who continues to make traditional polychrome pottery.  This jar is thin-walled and coil-built.  There is a double shoulder and the area from the neck to the shoulder is painted with various colors of clay.  There is a checkerboard design around the neck and a feather pattern below. The feather pattern is separated by a rectangular design with prayer feathers.  The bottom half of the jar is fully polished red.  There are painted tadpole, frog, and dragonfly designs.  The jar was traditionally fired.  It is a creative design on a classic-shaped jar.  The contrast between the matte and polished surface is visually striking.  The jar is signed on the bottom, “Cavan Gonzales”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repairs.  There is a Blue Ribbon from the 2003 Santa Fe Indian Market signed by Charles King, Tony Chavarria, and Douglas Johnson.  I remember judging that year as there were some spectacular pieces!