While Russell Sanchez is well known for the distinctive pottery and not only the polishing and shapes but the firing. This exceptional box has been fire to a gunmetal finish with a very metallic appearance.  The box has  a square shape with flat sides and a bear lid.  The lid of the box is etched with a cloud pattern and the sides are the rain.  There are stylized bears on the opposing ends.  The inset stones on this piece are hematite, which seem to perfectly match the coloration of the surface of the box!  Russell is one of the few potters working today who can create the full gunmetal color in his firing and it is spectacular!  The hei-shi beads used in Russell’s pottery are all handmade by the Calabaza family of Santo Domingo pueblo.