The work of brothers Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick in Anna, Illinois--sold under their moniker, "Anna Pottery"--is essentially unparalleled in American stoneware. Visionaries who created masterpieces of American folk art, the Kirkpatricks are famous for wild creations that often comment on the perceived dangers of alcohol consumption--their ware commonly used as a container for whiskey, gin, and other spirits. Their pig flasks and snake jugs are chief examples of these vessels, and are the forms for which the brothers are probably most well known. We hold the World Auction Record for one of their pig bottles, a very famous and beloved American stoneware form.
★ Anna Pottery-Related Videos:
Anna Pottery Aquarium Castle (Kirkpatrick Bros., Anna, Illinois)
Mark talks about an extremely rare and fine, large-sized aquarium castle made by Anna Pottery in Anna, Illinois, circa 1875. A coveted form in American stoneware, this is one of the finest known, and will be sold as part of our November 3, 2012 stoneware auction.
Anna Pottery Snake Temperance Jug, circa 1875
Mark talks about one of the finest examples of Anna Pottery--made by the Kirkpatrick Brothers (Wallace & Cornwall K.) in Anna, Illinois--we have ever handled. This "temperance jug"--meant to play off the concept of the evils of alcohol--is one of a group of rare, elaborate jugs featuring people being tormented by frightening creatures, particularly snakes. It will be sold as part of our July 21, 2012 stoneware & redware pottery auction.