Iris Nampeyo was a daughter of Fannie Nampeyo and was well known for her elegant asymmetrical vessels with corn as part of the design in relief.  Iris began using the corn in relief on the surface of her pottery in the early 1980s. The corn is symbolic of being part of the Corn Clan.  The surface of the jar is stone polished and the corn on the top front is in applique relief.  The shape of this jar is striking as it is very wide with a low shoulder.  The corn is elongated across the wide surface.  The husk of the corn is sharp and the matte area extends around to the shoulder of the jar.  The matte areas are in contrast to the remainder of the piece which is polished.  The opening is asymmetrical which is in keeping with the organic style of the form.  While all of Iris’s pottery was traditionally fired, she would often cover them to create an even tonation.  This jar was fired to create subtle blushes on the surface, and they are stunning!  Overall, there is a constant simplicity and elegance in her pottery.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Iris Y. Nampeyo,” and has a corn design for Corn Clan.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.