Important and Unique JOHN BELL / WAYNESBORO Stoneware Mug with Cobalt Decoration

Fall 2023 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 302

Price Realized: $4,500.00

($3,750 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: The American ceramics market frequently changes, often dramatically. 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: Fall 2023 Auction | John Bell Pottery

Fall 2023 Auction Catalog

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Important and Possibly Unique Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Mug, Stamped "JOHN BELL / WAYNESBORO'," PA origin, circa 1850-1880, cylindrical form with footed base and tooled rim, brush-decorated with an alternating design of four-petaled flowers and paired vertical dashes. Daubed decoration to rim and handle. Salt-glazed surface. Front base with John Bell maker's mark. Among the most outstanding John Bell stoneware pieces that we have ever offered, this work is possibly the only salt-glazed stoneware mug known by this esteemed Shenandoah Valley and Pennsylvania potter. Cobalt-decorated stoneware mugs by other 19th century American potters, when found, are typically unmarked, making this mug among a select few signed examples of this form produced in the country. Four hairlines from rim, visible on interior and barely visible on exterior. A minor in-the-firing chip to interior of rim. H 3 3/4" ; Diam. 3 3/4".