This is certainly one of the most dynamic large jars we have had from Russell Sanchez.  It is a classic water jar and has a fluted or “rain drop” rim.  The neck of the jar is carved with a swirl melon rib design and slipped with a black mica clay.  The rim and the shoulder are polished with a very deep red clay slip.  The deep red coloration is a slip which he has rediscovered and it is the same deep coloration as the slip used at San Ildefonso in the 1920-30’s.   The shoulder has a water serpent which is etched into the clay. The water serpent (avanyu) always encircles the entire piece and note how the tongue and tail overlap.  The “surprise” of the jar is the bottom, where he has used the more traditional red clay slip.  Here, Russell has etched six turtles into the bottom.  Each turtle has a different design for their shells. As well, each has a single piece of high grade Kingman turquoise on their back. There are additional pieces of Kingman turquoise on the back of the avanyu as well.  He has also used shell and turquoise hei-shi beads as part of the design around the jar.   The bottom of the jar has the classic indention of traditional San Ildefonso water jars.  It’s exciting how Russell uses these historic elements to keep them alive on his contemporary pottery.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, ‘Russell”.  So, yes, with the complexity of form and design, it is certainly a spectacular piece!

To read more about Russell Sanchez and his “Contemporizing The Pueblo Pottery Past”, Click Here.