Rare COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar w/ Peacock Decoration

July 18, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 286

July 18, 2015 Auction Catalog

Rare Four-Gallon Stoneware Cream Jar with Cobalt Peacock Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG. PA", circa 1865, ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, flattened rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a large slip-trailed design of a peacock with crested head and long tail, perched on a branch with shaded interior. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark, capacity mark, and handle terminals. Few Cowden & Wilcox peacock designs are known. The overall style of this bird motif and its slip-trailed application (a desirable technique from this pottery), indicates the jar's decoration was created or inspired by a former Lyons, New York, potter. Some fry to cobalt. Some scattered light exfoliation to surface, not affecting decoration. A very tight, approximately 4 1/2" spider line to far right side of jar's front. Two small base chips. Some staining to reverse and side of jar.