This is a complex polychrome water jar by Lois Gutierrez.  She is one of the few potters who continues to create polychrome pottery at Santa Clara.  Polychrome, or more than three different colors of clay slips, are all painted onto the surface of the vessel before it is fired. This is a water jar shape with a round shoulder and an elongated neck.  The jar is a classic shape for Santa Clara.  Along the neck are cloud figures separated by double old-style hummingbirds with flowers.  Around the shoulder are plant designs.  What makes the jar so complex is the clay band across the top of the opening.  It has a terrace “handle” that is painted with clouds.  It is a striking use of designs and form.  The jar has SIX different colors used for the designs.  Did you know that Lois collects each of the different clays from around Santa Clara Pueblo in order to create these colorations?   The jar was traditionally fired which created slight colorations on the base of the piece.  It is signed, “Lois” and the jar is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.