Fine 1/2 Gal. 18th Century Manhattan Stoneware Jar with Incised Decoration

March 23, 2019 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 127

Price Realized: $1,180.00

($1,000 hammer, plus 18% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 5 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.

March 23, 2019 Auction Catalog

◀︎ Back to Catalog

▶ Login

Fine Half-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Incised Foliate Decoration, Manhattan, NY, late 18th century, ovoid jug with tooled spout and ribbed handle, decorated on the front with an incised and cobalt-highlighted foliate motif in the classic Manhattan style. Reverse and sides decorated with an unusual incised and cobalt-highlighted treatment emanating from the lower handle terminal, in the form of a drape flanked by curved foliate devices. The interior of the incised designs feature combed and individually-incised embellishments. The lack of heavy tooling on the spout, employment of combing to the interior of the decorations, and inclusion of incised decoration emanating from the base of the handle (in the manner of slip-trailed "watch spring" motifs) indicate this jug was produced during the final decades of the 18th century, before Manhattan's potters began to regularly sign their ware. Its artistic decoration and desirable age combine with an appealing small size to produce a wonderful example of early New York City stoneware. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignor decades ago. A 1" in-the-firing contact mark / chip to shoulder. Thin cracks throughout much of jug. A 1 5/8" flake to underside. Two other small flakes to underside at edge. A small chip to interior of spout. H 10 1/8".