Very Rare J. WELLS / NORTHAMPTON Incised Bird Jug (T. CRAFTS / WHATELY, MA)

Spring 2020 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 33

Price Realized: $6,000.00

($5,000 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE:  This result is 4 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. If you're interested in having us sell a similar item for you, please contact us here.

Auction Highlight:  Spring 2020 Auction | New England Stoneware | Incised Stoneware | Massachusetts Stoneware

Spring 2020 Auction Catalog

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Very Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Incised Bird Decoration, Stamped "J. WELLS / NORTHAMPTON," attributed to Thomas Crafts & Co., Whately, MA, circa 1832-1834, highly-ovoid jug with tooled spout, decorated with incised and cobalt-highlighted design of a ring-necked bird with detailed tail, perched on a leaf and carrying a second leaf in its beak. Impressed above with the cobalt-highlighted stamp of merchant, John Wells, of Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. This jug is believed to have been made by potter, Thomas Crafts, at his shop in Whately, located less than ten miles from Northampton. Research indicates that Wells was a sole proprietor of his business for the brief period of 1832 to 1834. However, it is possible that Crafts may have made this jug as a presentation piece for Wells, rather than as an item for Wells to sell in his shop, as its incised bird motif appears too fine for merchant's ware. Coupled with its appealing design and highly unusual mark is a desirable small size to the vessel. Provenance: A recently-surfaced work from a Pennsylvania private collection. Excellent, essentially as-made condition with an in-the-firing iron ping to shoulder. H 10 1/2".




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