This jar by Virgil Ortiz is a modern variant on some classic Cochiti designs. The shape of the jar is one which Virgil has perfected to give the most space for his painted designs to show.  The design is a combination of both the wildflowers and the tattoo imagery of his previous work.  The result is a striking design which flows from angular to flowing plant tendrils.  Around the neck is a small cloud pattern.  The imagery is both modern and ancient.  The piece is painted with wild spinach (a plant) for the black and the cream and red are natural clay slips.  The jar is certainly the best of both the traditional and contemporary styles of design by this important Cochiti potter.  Not as well that there is a space on the rim of the neck where it is unpainted, which is the “heartline”, which Virgil always paints on his clay vessels.  The jar is signed on the bottom.