Exceptional Five-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Cobalt Bearded Starface Decoration, Stamped "T. HARRINGTON / LYONS," New York State origin, circa 1860, ovoid churn with tooled shoulder, flared collar, and applied lug handles, the front decorated with a large slip-trailed design of a man's face surrounded by eight pointed rays, each composed of several, short linear trails of cobalt slip. Face includes stylized hair to head, a dimpled chin, and extremely rare beard accenting the cheeks and chin. Cobalt highlight to maker's mark. Includes Albany-slip-glazed lid. This churn is one of the best examples of Harrington starface-decorated stoneware to come to auction in the past decade or more, and the finest featuring this iconic design that we have ever offered. Noteworthy in its large design, crisp slip-trailing, and excellent color, it is also the only example that we have seen with a beard added to the central face. Churn in very nice condition with base chips on reverse, two shallow chips to interior of rim, and some shallow chips and wear to inner rim for lid. Lid with minor wear. H 18 1/4".
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