Stunning! This is one of the largest pieces we have had from Russell Sanchez in a while!  It is a classic shape with an innovative use of clay and design.  The shape of the has a low sharp shoulder and a long neck.  The shape of the jar is a classic which is typically seen in the work of his aunt, Rose Gonzales.  The jar is fired black and incised with a water serpent around the shoulder.  There is a single piece of inset turquoise for the eye. The neck of the jar is fully polished and then two-toned green at the rim with an incised mountain pattern.  There are also additional insets of turquoise hei-shi beads.  The lid has a rectangular finial with a carved “key hole” design.  The edges are polished and the top of the lid is incised, two-toned and inset with two pieces of turquoise.  The bottom of the jar has a “foot” which is reminiscent of historic San Ildefonso pottery and it is also indented.  The gunmetal firing of the jar can easily be seen in the area on the neck below the green band, where there is a “halo” of black.  The hei-shi beads are all made by the Calabaza family from Santo Domingo Pueblo.  The exciting addition to this jar is that we were there when it was fired!  There are additional photos of the piece before and right after the traditional firing at Russell’s house.  What a great piece of provenance to add to this important jar!