Extremely Rare and Important Moravian Fish Flask, Rudolph Christ, Salem, NC

November 2, 2013 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 1

Price Realized: $23,000.00

($20,000 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 8 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. Please Contact Us for a Current, Accurate assessment of your items.

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November 2, 2013 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Large-Sized Earthenware Fish Bottle with Profuse Copper and Manganese Decoration, attributed to Rudolph Christ, Salem, NC, early 19th century, molded bottle in the form of a fish with raised eyes, heavily-scaled body, and fine detail to fins and tail. Bottle lavishly-decorated with streaks of green copper and purplish-brown manganese glaze over a yellow clay ground in the Whieldon style. Surface covered in a clear lead glaze. This recently-discovered example is molded in a larger size than most Moravian fish bottles known, and features a rare and visually-stunning two-color glaze. (The majority of Moravian fish bottles in existence are found in a 4 1/2" size with solid green glaze.) One of the finest examples of this highly-prized Southern form to surface in several years. Provenance: Recently discovered by a New England couple. 3/8" chip and minor 1/4" chip to spout. Other spout wear. Some light wear to surface. Approximately 7" tight horizontal line along base of fish on one side. Glazed surface survives in well-preserved condition with virtually no flaking. L 9 3/4".