Traditional Pottery Jar Evolving into Modern Shape Vessel [SOLD]

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Russell Sanchez, San Ildefonso Pueblo Artist

When Russell Sanchez was explaining the concept of this jar, he pointed out that the face that features the bird is a traditional Tewa vessel shape and then the jar evolves into a modernist shapea combination of old and new. 

 

Russell Sanchez (1966-present) signature

The bird is a traditional bird often seen on historic San Ildefonso Polychrome jars, but, in this instance, is sgraffito-carved into the clay body, revealing the coloration of the clay after a firing in a reduction fire, carving having been done after firing.  The body of the bird was re-fired to a sienna finish and a beautiful Kingman turquoise placed on the body.

 

Two parallel rows of hieshe with turquoise and shell are imbedded into the clay with a matte row of clay separating them.  A cloud design is sgraffito-carved alongside the hieshe.  On the opposite side of the jar, is a single Kingman turquoise cab with a beautiful copper ore visible.  The cab is placed in a sienna spot with dots encircling it.  The free-form rim of the jar has a matte finish.  The jar is signed by the artist on the underside.

 

Condition: new condition

Provenance: from the artist

Recommended Reading:  Art of Clay: Timeless Pottery of the Southwest by Lee Cohen

 

alternate view

alternate view

Russell Sanchez, San Ildefonso Pueblo Artist
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