Extremely Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Cobalt Bird, Grapes, and Floral Decorations, Baltimore, MD origin, circa 1815-1820, ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, flared collar, and open loop handles, decorated on the front with a slip-trailed design of three long-tailed birds perched on a grape vine. Reverse decoration with two crested birds with long tails, perched atop of flowering vine with brushed tulips and leaves. Wide cobalt stripe around rim. Additional cobalt highlighting the handle terminals, and cobalt stripes running under each handle. Vibrant color and exceptional folk art design. One of the earliest examples of figural decoration on Baltimore stoneware known, the others being a group of incised bird designs made about the same time by Henry Remmey and possibly his son, as well as one example by the firm of Morgan & Amoss. This jar exhibits a clear Remmey influence. The birds on this jar, particularly on the reverse, are in the manner of Henry Remmey, Sr., although the flowers on the reverse are not. An important new discovery in Baltimore stoneware. Provenance: Purchased years ago in Brimfield, MA. One handle restored. Restored rim chip. Minor, glazed-over base chip.
