Extremely Rare and Important Diminutive Stoneware Jar with Incised Floral Decorations, Manhattan, NY origin, probably Crolius Family, circa 1800, ovoid jar with footed base, narrow, vertical opening, and open loop handles, decorated on the front and reverse with two different incised and cobalt-highlighted floral motifs in the Manhattan style. One side features a graduated blossom reminiscent of a series of conjoined fish scales or grapes, a motif repeated in various ways on a number of early Manhattan stoneware products. The opposite side is decorated with a highly unusual flower featuring a finely-scalloped border and hollow center. The handle terminals are decorated with brushed cobalt highlights and the underside of each handle features a brushed Federal drape motif, variants of which are commonly found on signed Clarkson Crolius stoneware. The designs on both sides indicate the hand of a skilled artisan well-trained in incised decorative treatments. While the jar's Manhattan origin is certain, more specifically, aspects of its form, decoration (both incised and freehand), and color, indicate it was most likely produced by a member of the Crolius family. This jar is considered an important work due to its size. Very few diminutive stoneware objects with incised decoration have survived from this prestigious early potting center. This jar is the smallest incised work from Manhattan we have ever offered. One handle professionally restored. A 5/8" rim chip with short hairline descending from it. Two additional very short, faint lines in rim, presumably in-the-firing. A tiny rim nick on side of jar. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignors' parents decades ago. H 6".
