Russell Sanchez continues to be one of the true innovators in Pueblo pottery.  Each piece is coil-built, stone-polished, and traditionally fired.  The shape of this jar was inspired by the work of Russell’s great-aunt, Rose Gonzales. The jar has a round body.  There is a single medallion that is slipped with green clay and has a bear. Around the neck is an avanyu and around the shoulder are seven bear paws. The jar was fired a nearly-gunmetal silvery coloration.  After the firing, there are inset turquoise stones in the bear paws and a piece of green turquoise in the bear.  There are inset hei-shi beads around the medallion.  The lid has a triangular shape with inset hei-shi beads.  Both the lid and the jar are signed, “Russell”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.