Early JOHN BELL Stoneware Jug, Waynesboro, PA

October 31, 2009 Stoneware Auction

Price Realized: $7,590.00 ($6,600 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium).

Exceptional Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Profuse Cobalt Tulip Decoration, Stamped "JOHN BELL," Waynesboro, PA, circa 1845-1850, ovoid jug with tall spout, tooled foot, and applied ribbed handle. Decorated on each side with a large, boldly-brushed cobalt tulip design extending from the base to the shoulder of the jug. Design consists of three tulips extending from a central stem accented with leaves, with each tulip separated by unusual dashed stems and buds. The central undulating stem ends in a very large tulip blossom accented with thick dots at the tip. This center flower measures an impressive 4" across on one side of the jug and 5" across on the opposite side. The blossoms are two of the largest we have seen on an example of Bell pottery. Handle decorated with leafy brushwork and spout brushed in cobalt. The three-gallon script capacity mark below the spout is underscored by an incised wreath design composed of two opposing leaves, which we have not seen on any other examples of Bell pottery. The form of the jug suggests it was made not long after Bell began producing stoneware, circa 1845 to 1850. This jug is one of the finest Bell examples we are aware of. Fresh from a Hagerstown homestead, where it had remained since its manufacture. 10 3/4" vertical crack on front. Small base chip. Dryness to areas of surface. H 16 1/4".

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