Henry Remmey, Baltimore Stoneware Incised Birds Pitcher

May 19, 2007 Stoneware Auction

Price Realized: $69,000.00 (Price includes 15% buyer's premium).

Exceedingly Rare and Important One-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Elaborate Incised Bird and Floral Decoration, attributed to Henry Remmey, Sr., Baltimore, MD, circa 1815-1820, ovoid-waisted pitcher, decorated with a finely incised design of two birds perched on the branches of a flowering plant. Birds depicted with long necks and tails, one with turned head, and both with numerous incised feather strokes. Plant depicted with numerous leaves, each detailed with several incised veins, and grape-like clusters extending from the branches on which the birds are perched. At the center of the design, a heavily incised flowerhead with two circular rows of petals and leafy stems branching from it. Entire design highlighted in bright cobalt blue, with alternating gray and blue coloration to flowerhead. A simple line of cobalt decorates the rim, and cobalt is also painted around the handle terminals. Incised decorations of such artistry and attention to detail are rarely found in American stoneware. The entire design is composed of over five-hundred incised strokes. The color of the clay and cobalt, as well as the distinctive bird and floral decorations, are consistent with the work of Henry Remmey and his son, Henry Harrison Remmey, particularly during their Baltimore period of stoneware production, circa 1812-1 Similar bird designs, but of lesser quality, can also be found in the work of Henry H. Remmey, during his career in Philadelphia, circa 1828-1 Interestingly, the form of the pitcher, ovoid with a narrow spout and small handle, is reminiscent of the style of pitcher Henry senior produced while working for his brother, John Remmey III, in Manhattan, circa 1790 to 1810. One of the most elegantly crafted examples of American stoneware we have handled. A section broken and reglued at base. Restoration to portion of underside. Two hairline cracks on right side of pitcher, which are difficult to see. H 11".

Click image to enlarge.