Exceptional Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Presentation Bank, Inscribed "VIRGINIA", probably New Jersey origin, circa 1860, ovoid bank with footed base, carved horizontal slot, and bell-shaped finial, decorated with the slip-trailed, block-letter name, "VIRGINIA", above a stylized flourish. Decorated with an additional large flourish on reverse and three smaller flourishes to shoulder. Cobalt decoration to finial. This bank belongs to body of work by a talented, but as-yet-unidentified, potter believed to be from New Jersey. Among this potter's creations are an iconic jar with figure of student or schoolmaster carrying a book, a second jar with a walking gentleman, and a third featuring the bold date "JULY 1859". The distinctive block lettering with border, giving the name, "VIRGINIA", a three-dimensional effect, is also exhibited on the "JULY 1859" jar, as well as on the inscribed capacity notations on the reverse sides of this potter's standard production pieces. This bank is the only example from this maker we have seen. Its color, condition, and bold presentation inscription are all exemplary. Excellent, essentially as-made condition with a minor in-the-firing surface nick. H 5".
