This is a classic lidded bowl by Russell Sanchez.  The jar has three medallions, each with a bear fetish.  The center of each bear has a turquoise stone inset and hematite for the eye.  The medallions are surrounded by hematite hei-shi beads.  Around the neck of the jar are rain and feather designs etched into the clay.  The jar was fired a strong gunmetal coloration that is striking.  Russell is one of the only potters working today who is able to achieve a gunmetal coloration in the same manner as the earlier San Ildefonso potters.  It’s all in the firing!   The neck of the jar has two bands of copper leaf and the rim is two-toned black-and sienna.  There are two bands of hematite hei-shi beads along with one band of turquoise hei-shi beads.  The jar has an exceptional balance of form, design, and coloration.  The lid is black-and-green with the edge of the two-toned green.  The top of the lid is polished and the fish is black, brown, and green.  There is a subtle flow of coloration on the back of the fish which is derived from Russell using various clays before firing. The fish is not just sculptural in form but the green, brown, and black colorations give it a striking coloration like a trout in the water!   The jar and the lid are both signed on the bottom in the clay, “Russell”.  The jar has a blue-ribbon from the 2021 Gallup Inter-tribal Ceremonials.