Exceptional and Important Anna Pottery Stoneware Pig Flask with Glass Eyes and Political Inscription, Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, Dated 1882, molded in the form of a reclining pig with hole at rear, incised details to face and hooves, and anatomically-correct underside. Surface is kaolin-slip-coated with elaborate cobalt-highlighted incising throughout under a clear salt glaze. Side of flask reads "St. Louis the future great- / Railroad and River Guide / with a little good old Rye in a- / 1882 a verry(sic) healthy year for Democrats / in / Ohio and N.Y." Remainder of flask with incised and cobalt-highlighted map of the Midwestern U.S., including the following landmarks: Miss River, O & M. R. R., Grand Tower, Bloomington, C.B.i.C.R.R., Cairo, Centralia, Tamaroa, Duquoin, Carbondale, mounds, Anna, Chicago the Corn City, and Cincinnati the Porkpacking City." Beautifully-glazed and originally made with glass eyes, this work carries additional significance in its highly unusual incised political inscription, "1882 a verry healthy year for Democrats in a-," a reference to the United States Congressional midterm elections of 1882, in which the Democrats took control of the House of Representatives. One of a few of its kind known. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, from a long-term Florida collection. Some restoration to one ear. Glass eyes missing. Otherwise excellent condition. L7".
