WOW!  This is a spectacular large melon jar by Helen Shupla.  Of course, she is famous for the revival of this form and each piece is coil-built with the ribs pushed out in the clay.  This melon jar is larger in size with tall ribs extending up to a short neck.  It has 20 symmetrical ribs, each pushed out from the inside to create an undulating form.  The entire surface is fully polished and the jar is fired a deep, glassy black coloration.  Simple, elegant, and visually stunning!  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Helen Shupla”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.