Polished Red Avanyu Jar with Heishe and Turquoise Inlays by Russell Sanchez

This exceptional jar by acclaimed San Ildefonso Pueblo potter Russell Sanchez exemplifies his masterful blend of traditional form with innovative surface treatments. Hand-coiled from high-polished red clay, the jar features a tall, elegant neck that tapers into a perfectly curled lip — flawlessly balanced and refined in form.

Just above the shoulder, four precise bands of inlaid heishe shell are interspersed between three shimmering bands of micaceous clay, their pewter-like sheen adding a striking metallic contrast — though crafted entirely from natural clay. Around the vessel's shoulder, a meticulously carved avanyu (water serpent) encircles the jar in dynamic motion, its domed triangular turquoise eye inlaid with precision and brilliance. Beneath this central motif lies another grouping of heishe and micaceous bands, providing a sense of symmetry and layered richness. The bottom of the jar echoes the high polish of the neck, completing the composition with cohesion and depth.

Russell Sanchez (b. 1966) is a highly respected potter from San Ildefonso Pueblo, celebrated for pushing the boundaries of Pueblo pottery while honoring its deep traditions. A student of renowned potter Rose Gonzales, Sanchez is known for his sleek finishes, intricate inlay work, and the incorporation of precious materials. His pieces are sought by collectors and institutions alike, and he has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Best of Show at Santa Fe Indian Market in 2022.

This jar is an exquisite example of Russell Sanchez's artistry — where technical mastery meets innovation, and traditional forms are elevated to contemporary excellence.

2017 Winner – New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence, a prestigious annual celebration of New Mexico’s diverse artist community.  This art award, presented annually since 1974, serves as lifetime achievement laurels for artists whose work has become part of the state’s aesthetic tapestry, as well as for scholars and benefactors who have helped sustain New Mexico’s vibrant cultural atmosphere.

2022 Winner - Best of Show for Santa Fe's Indian Market. Winning "Best of Show" at the Santa Fe Indian Market signifies the artist's piece is considered the most exceptional overall, representing the highest level of artistry and skill within the juried categories at the market. It's the most prestigious award given at the market and is highly revered in the Native American art world.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Polished Red Avanyu Jar with Heishe and Turquoise Inlays by Russell Sanchez is from a collector in Arizona.

Biographical Reference: Pueblo Indian Pottery: 750 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

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

TAGS: Abel Sanchez, Rose Gonzales, Southwest Indian Pottery, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Contemporary Pottery, Tony Da, Popovi Da, Ignacia Sanchez, Russell Sanchez