Exceptional Ernest Galloway, Paducah, KY Stoneware Face Jug

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Outstanding Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Signed "E. Galloway. / Paducah. Ky.," Ernest H. Galloway, Paducah, KY, early 20th century, cylindrical jug with hand-modeled and applied clay face, including oval eyes set within sculpted lids, Roman nose, large ears, open mouth with incised teeth, and parted hair with incised surface. Surface of jug covered in a glossy, dark-brown Albany slip glaze with glaze omitted on the teeth and sgraffito carving to the eyes, nostrils, and interior of the ears. The distinctive part in the figure's hair is undoubtedly a means by which the jug's artist, Ernest H. Galloway, is creating a sort of self-portrait. As seen in a period photo of Galloway, the potter had a prominent part down the center of his hair. This treatment can also be found on the few other surviving face vessels by this potter, visible on both African-American and Caucasian depictions. The incised-script signature, "E. Galloway. / Paducah. Ky.," appears on the underside, opposing a second "E. Galloway" signature, which was carved away by the potter prior to firing. This jug is one of a small number of face vessels known from the state of Kentucky, as well as one of the finest. The object's signature makes it highly-important, as few period American ceramic face vessels are found signed, this being the only example that we have seen with an inscription stating it was made in Kentucky. Its highly-expressive face is closely-related that commonly seen on alkaline-glazed face vessels produced decades prior in South Carolina's Edgefield District. Surviving in exceptional condition and potted in a prodigious size, this jug is among the finest examples of later-period Kentucky stoneware known. Excellent condition with minor wear. H 10".

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