Russell Sanchez San Ildefonso Pueblo Polished Red and Buff Bear Figurine [SOLD]

Russell Sanchez (1966-) is constantly experimenting and innovating.  In this polished red and buff pottery bear figurine, he applied a red slip to all the surface except for an oval section on the back.  Dividing the two colors is a row of brown heishe.  The bear’s eyes are each a single piece of heishi inset into the clay.  Lines are etched into the clay behind each eye.  There is a zigzag heartline from the mouth to back of the figurine.  

The bear is looking off to the left.  He stands firmly on his four legs and is in no danger of toppling over.  The contrast of the highly-polished red and buff slips with the rich finish of the heishe is very compatible.  The figurine is signed Russell Sanchez and dated 1999 on the underside. 

Condition: original condition

Provenance: this Russell Sanchez San Ildefonso Pueblo Polished Red and Buff Bear Figurine is from the collection of a client from Michigan

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

Relative Links: Abel Sanchez, Rose Gonzales, Southwest Indian Pottery, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Contemporary Pottery, Tony Da, Popovi Da, Russell Sanchez, San Ildefonso Pueblo Potter