The Aguilar sisters were recognized as master potters long before they created the bold black-over-cream and black and red designs attributed to them today.  Their first works were traditional Santo Domingo Polychrome in design and layout but were among the finest being produced at the pueblo in the late 1800s and very early 1900s.

Their handling of the design style, their precision with paints, and the overall geometries were unequalled.  This jar is an example of their strong bold design elements—relying heavily on the black triangles face-to-face.  They are enclosed by triple framing lines on the upper end and double framing lines on the lower end, all of which feature ceremonial line breaks.  The simple triangles around the neck area are considered hallmarks of their work.

RECOMMENDED READING:  Santo Domingo Pottery of the "Aguilar" Type, by Frederick H. Douglas. Clearing House for Southwestern Museums, Denver Art Museum, Newsletter No. 37, June 1941.