Robert Cleto Nichols is known for his deep carved pottery.  Each piece is coil built, carved and stone polished.  This is one of his few red pieces.  The bowl has a fish as the main design. However, as the bowl is turned the body of the fish is divided up into various classic Santa Clara designs. There are melon ribs, kiva steps and cloud designs. The bowl is traditionally fired and signed on the bottom in the clay.  Note the bit of mica in the clay, which gives the bowl some sparkle!