Sanchez, Russell – Gunmetal Jar with Bear and Cougar Medallions and Lid

4.5"w x 9"h (w/ lid)

$ 8,800.00

This is an extraordinary lidded bowl by Russell Sanchez.  The jar has a wide shoulder and sloping sides. There are two large medallions on the piece.  Ohe has a cougar with a heartline and it is slipped green.  The opposite side has a sienna medallion and it has a heartline bear.  The remainder of the jar is a silvery gunmetal coloration.  How are all these colors achieved? The jar is fired to a gunmetal coloration and then Russell two-tones the medallions.  That removes the oxidation of the firing and the green and sienna colorations appear.  After the firing and the two-toning process, then the stones are added.  Around the medallions are two bands of jet hei-shi beads.  They surround a carved band with copper leafing.  Separating the two medallions are sienna areas with an inset piece of turquoise.  Note the halo around the sienna area, so it goes stone, sienna, halo, gunmetal in terms of coloration.  Russell learned this technique from Tony Da, who would always have a “halo” between the sienna and gunmetal colorations. Of course, you have to have the gunmetal firing first, to allow this to happen.  Russell is one of the few potters working today who is able to achieve a true gunmetal coloration.  The jar has a lid with inset her-shi beads, and turquoise.  It is a complex but visually striking piece. The jar and the lid are both signed on the bottom in the clay, “Russell”.  A wonderful traditional and yet very modern piece!