Sanchez, Russell – Polychrome Mountain Lion Lidded Box

4.5"long x 4"w x 4.5"h (w/ lid)

$ 7,400.00

The box itself has a mountain lion on each side.  Each one is different as one is red and the other tan. Below them is a corn design in checkerboard.  Note the use of both the light and dark red clay slips on the piece!  Each mountain lion has an inset piece of Lone Mountain Turquoise.  There are two bands of hematite beads below the animal.  The lid has a very sculptural mountain lion which is fully polished.  Russell textured the area below the mountain lion so that it has a greater sense of movement.  Again on the lid, there are two bands of hematite hei-shi beads set into the clay.  The box has both a striking historic appearance and a contemporary feel.   Dark red, light red, black, and tan all work together to create a true polychrome work and a revival of historic style for which Russell has been working for the past several years.   The box was traditionally fired and the result is a striking coloration, especially for the red. The box is signed on the bottom, as is the lid.

Russell Sanchez: Contemporizing the Pueblo Pottery Past