Exceptional Large-Sized Stoneware Chicken Waterer with Profuse Cobalt Floral Decoration, attributed to Thomas Haig, Jr., Philadelphia, PA, circa 1870, domed form with applied lug handles, covered watering trough, and tooled shoulder with stepped finial, decorated on the reverse with three boldly-brushed vertical tulips. Additional vertical tulip motifs to side of water, as well as flanking the watering trough. Additional cobalt foliate motifs to top and base of trough and cobalt decoration to tops of handles. The distinctive style of the tulips on this chicken waterer lead to a firm attribution to Thomas Haig, Jr. of Philadelphia. This example is among the most-heavily-decorated American stoneware poultry fountains that we have seen. Provenance: From a recently-surfaced NC collection, purchased by the consignor decades ago. Losses to one handle. Some relatively minor, shallow chipping to opposite handle. A shallow 5/8" chip to top edge of watering trough and two minor nicks to base of watering trough. Crazing to shoulder and finial area. H 12 1/4".
