Outstanding J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT Stoneware Lion Crock

October 17, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 50

Price Realized: $1,955.00

($1,700 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.

October 17, 2015 Auction Catalog

◀︎ Back to Catalog

▶ Login

Outstanding and Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Elaborate Cobalt Lion Decoration, Stamped "J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT", circa 1855, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a slip-trailed cobalt scene depicting a lion with turned head, heavy mane, and spotted body, reclining on a stylized ground with tree and fence to the figure's right. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and capacity mark. The lion is regarded as one of the most prized figural designs in all of American stoneware. The animal on this crock assumes a different stance than most Norton reclining lion designs known, with all legs visible, as if the figure is lifting itself from the ground. The crock includes excellent color with bold, glossy cobalt against a light clay ground. Top-to-bottom inverted Y-shaped crack on left side of crock. A filled 1" x 7/8" section to reverse end of left handle. A 2 5/8" surface line from rim on right side of crock. A 3" salt drip to base on reverse. Underside with some surface wear and a small chip. A minor iron ping to shoulder on front. H 9 1/4".