Very Rare Extremely Large Detailed Redware Figure of a Man

July 19, 2014 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 130

Price Realized: $1,092.50

($950 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 10 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.

July 19, 2014 Auction Catalog

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Very Rare Large-Sized Redware Figure of a Hobo, possibly Pennsylvania origin, 19th century, 22 1/2" tall, hand-modeled figure of a man smoking a cigar, with stocking cap, rolled up pant legs, and shoes with exposed toes. Dynamic pose with one raised, waving arm and detailed fingernails. Incised details to man's face and hat. Nicely-executed trim to clothing, including incised circular accents to collar and pants seam. Undersides of feet with incised treads and hollowed vent holes. Surface covered in a clear lead glaze over a dark-orange ground. Exceptional and visually-stunning size. The origin of this figure is currently unknown. The incised detail, simple lead glaze, color, and weight, are consistent with Pennsylvania redware products, most notably a large body of outstanding figural banks, which apparently originated from Berks County. If this sculpture is truly of Pennsylvania origin, it is certainly one of the most important discoveries of local figural pottery of the past several years. It would also stand as one of the largest hand-modeled Pennsylvania redware objects known. Includes wooden base, which allows figure to stand vertically. Hands broken and reglued. Otherwise excellent condition, with a glazed-over, in-the-firing line in arm and a glazed-over, in-the-firing vertical line along side. H (excluding base) 22 1/2".