This is an amazing miniature by Santa Clara potter Nancy Youngblood. This new miniature is one of her “micro-minis” and it is deep carved and it has been fired black.  The jar is distinctive, as she has taken her classic melon ribs and given them a very stylistic and abstract shape across the surface.  As the piece is turned various scenes are created in the contrasting black polished sprials and the matte connecting surfaces.  It is remarkable how she can do this on such a small surface!  Note how the ribs are of various shapes and size and perfectly match the form.  This “free form” use of the designs is both creative and visually striking.  The matte area behind the highly polished ribs adds another visual dimension to the piece.