Outstanding One-and-a-Half-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "JOHN BELL / WAYNESBORO'", PA origin, circa 1850-1880, ovoid pitcher with tooled rim, pronounced pouring spout, and ribbed handle with three thumb impressions at lower terminal, decorated on each side with a free-flowing vine bearing two different styles of tulips, applied over whitish slip. Collar decorated with brushed swags. Handle well-decorated with a curving vine bearing leaves, along with a brushed highlight at its upper terminal. Impressed on collar with John Bell maker's mark above a one-and-a-half-gallon capacity mark. The finest John Bell stoneware pitcher that we have ever offered, this example features an appealing multi-stemmed vine, culminating in the potter's desirable, trumpet-shaped tulip. This design is unusual for this form, usually relegated to larger stoneware jars. Bell's stoneware pitchers, when found, typically involve more formulaic motifs involving a swag-and-hanging-tulip or single-stemmed tulip. An exceptional example of John Bell stoneware, in terms of form, decoration, color, and condition. Excellent condition with a tight 3 5/8" line to left of spout. H 11 3/4".
