Sanchez, Russell – “Jaguar” Water Jar with Waterfall Rim (265 Inset Stones)

4.75"w x 6"h

$ 8,600.00

This is an intricately designed water jar by Russell Sanchez.  The jar has a round shoulder and elongated neck. The rim is carved with 12 “ribs” carved into the neck.  They are highly polished and create the “waterfall”.  The main design on the jar is the black jaguar.  Did you know that there were jaguars in New Mexico in the recent past? Russell has etched a jaguar into the clay and fired the piece a gunmetal black.  There are 145 inset pieces of hematite for the body of the jaguar!  Around the shoulder are 49 pieces of turquoise and 23 around the neck.  Opposite the jaguar. are rain and plant designs.  There are larger turquoise stones and four inset bands of hematite beads.  Near the base are additional etched plant designs and 27 more inset pieces of turquosie.  Altogether, there are 120 individually set pieces of turquoise! That is simply amazing! The use of the stones accentuates the designs and the gunmetal traditional firing of the jar is a silvery black.  The jar has a striking balance of design, form, and color.   Russell is one of the few potters working today who is able to achieve a true gunmetal coloration.  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Russell”.  A wonderful traditional and yet very modern piece!