Rare Ohio Cold-Painted Stoneware Serpent-Handled Harvest Jug w/ Applied Eagle Plaque

July 18, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 95

Price Realized: $920.00

($800 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 9 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 18, 2015 Auction Catalog

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Rare Cold-Painted Stoneware Harvest Jug with Applied Eagle Decoration and Serpent Handle, attributed to E.A. Hicks, Star Pottery, Crooksville, Ohio, circa 1880, beehive-form with two applied spouts, the smaller with molded ornamental border, the larger molded in the form of a frog's head with punch-decorated skin, bulging eyes, and incised saw-toothed border. Large molded handle in the form of a serpent or Chinese dragon with heavily-scaled body, curled tail, open mouth, and mustache extending from its nostrils. Decorated on one side with a molded and applied design of spread-winged eagle atop a shield, flanked by cornucopias, below a banner, inscribed "NE PLUS ULTRA". Reverse with three applied human busts, possibly formed from a doll mold, the central bust including molded grape clusters below it. Surface unglazed with traces of polychrome cold paint, including faint remnants of the painted inscription "God Save the Queen" on both sides. The handle and applied eagle motif are closely-related to those found on a harvest jug sold in our March 14, 2015 auction, which bore the initials "E.A.H". Interestingly, the example in our March auction employed a similar or identical mold for the handle, but with added hand-modeled legs to create an alligator. With its applied figural motifs and wonderful handle, this harvest jug features strong folk art appeal. Handle broken into two pieces and reglued. Losses to paint. Otherwise excellent condition. H (to top of handle) 12".