Russell Sanchez is known for his clay bears.  This bear is coil-built and stone polished.  It was fired to a silvery gunmetal black and then two-toned green on the back.  The inside of the bear legs are matte.  The piece has 62 inset pieces of coral and five pieces of inset turquoise.  There are also two small bear paws etched into the clay on either side and they each have an inset stones.   The bear is coil-built and even the head is hollow, which is unique among potters who make clay bears.  As Russell has said

“I’m a traditionalist all the way through.  Innovation is part of our tradition. You use the same materials and tools that you have, and the same design elements, and the Clay Mother will come through you for what she wants you to do,” he explains. “Instead of doing the same cloud pattern or serpent pattern, you take that and make it your own. So, in fact, everything I’m doing is old, but new.”  Russell Sanchez, Southwest Art Magazine

This bear is a stunning example of how the history and culture of San Ildefonso Pueblo are modernized in concept in his hands.  The bear is signed on the bottom in the clay.  Simply stunning!