Important Large-Sized Stoneware Aquarium Castle with Profuse Cobalt Decoration, attributed to Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, circa 1875, hand-modeled sculpture in the form of a castle, the wheel-thrown domed base featuring applied cylinders fashioned into towers, heavily-incised stonework, carved archways, and carved stone tops. Central opening at base serves as a hiding place or thoroughfare for aquarium fish. Two large oval towers are flanked by smaller towers with applied spires, accented with cross-hatching, impressed circles, and triangle-decorated edges. Base heavily-incised with grass and carved stairways. Clay crosses applied at center of castle and to side of one tower. Salt-glazed surface lavishly-decorated throughout with brushed cobalt slip. One of the finest and largest examples of this coveted American stoneware form known. Given its size and weight, it was certainly used in a large aquarium, and may have been displayed in-use at a fair or exhibition. Provenance: This particular castle was purchased directly from a Kirkpatrick family descendant in Illinois during the 1970s, who was reportedly using it as a doorstop in a nursing home. It was later sold to the noted folk art collector, Barry Cohen, and subsequently to Pennsylania collector, Edwa Weiss. Professional restoration to some of the raised elements of the castle. L 11 3/4"; W 9 1/2" ; H 10 1/2".
