Stunning!  This is an exceptional early jar by Virgil Ortiz.  Today, he is known for his innovative style of Cochiti pottery. This piece is from 1997 and it is fully painted with complex corn, cloud and plant designs.  The neck has flower patterns and then a checkerboard design  The central panel has large red flower motifs surrounded by intricately painted cloud, plant and rain designs . The base has plant and corn designs.  There is an exceptional complexity to the jar and a beauty to the flow of patterns in each of the sections.  The jar has the traditional “spirit” line, which extends from the rim to the base. It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. It is made from native clay and painted with native clays and wild spinach (black).  The bowl has been traditionally fired.  It is signed on the bottom.