This is a striking red bear-lidded jar by Russell Sanchez.  The jar is a classic shape with a sharp shoulder and sloping side.  It is fully polished red with black clay accents.  This is Russell’s revival of the historic black-on-red pottery of San Ildefonso from 1880-1920 (see last photo).  The jar has avanyu etched into the clay above the shoulder.  Around the neck and shoulder are rows of inset coral hei-shi beads and copper leafing.  The avanyu has inset coral for the eye and along its back.  The jar has a fully polished red bear lid.  There are TINY tuquoise insets for the eyes and additional coral on the back.  Below the shoulder are etched rain clouds with tiny inset coral.   It is a striking piece in coloration and detail.  Overall, there are 109 inset coral and turquoise pieces in the jar and lid!  The jar was fired a deep red coloration.  All the stones and beads are added after the firing.   The jar and lid are both signed, “Russell”.

As Russell has said:

“I’m a traditionalist all the way through.  Innovation is part of our tradition. You use the same materials and tools that you have, and the same design elements, and the Clay Mother will come through you for what she wants you to do,” he explains. “Instead of doing the same cloud pattern or serpent pattern, you take that and make it your own. So, in fact, everything I’m doing is old, but new.”  Russell Sanchez, Southwest Art Magazine