This is one of the largest and most extraordinary red carved jars by Teresita Naranjo we have had in the gallery in years.  Teresita was a daughter of Christina Naranjo and know for her deeply carved pottery.   Each piece was coil built, carved, stone polished and traditionally fired.  This jar is very large in size and fully carved with a water serpent encircling the piece.  The body of the avanyu ebbs and swirls around the jar in deeply-carved segments.  Note how the designs extend down from the negative space in areas.  It is easy to see how her great-niece Tammy Garcia was inspired by work at this caliber!  The area behind the carving is slipped with the traditional cream-colored clay slip.  The jar was traditionally fired to a deep red coloration.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Teresita Naranjo”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.