Rare Four-Gallon att. Chester Webster, Randolph Co, NC Stoneware Jar w/ Incised Bird-on-Branch Decoration

Spring 2021 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 160

Spring 2021 Auction Catalog

Rare Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Incised Bird-on-Branch Decoration, attributed to Chester Webster, Randolph County, NC, circa 1875, ovoid jar with flattened rim, broad lug handles with depressed terminals, and tooled banding to shoulder, the front decorated with an incised design of a crested bird with intricate feather detail, perched on a leafy branch. Impressed at shoulder with a large, circular four-gallon capacity mark surrounded by incised petals, forming a flower blossom. This design includes impressed circles between the petals and incised slashes below the number "4." An additional four-gallon capacity mark appears under the left handle. Surface covered in a salt glaze with appealing heavy salt deposits to shoulder. A classic example of the Webster family's Hartford school incising on a distinctively-Southern form. A 3" and 2" loss to rim. Long spiraling crack around body of jar, culminating in a Y on reverse. This crack, however, does not connect with itself, indicating the jar was not broken into pieces. A small Y-shaped surface line below one handle, not visible on interior and likely in-the-firing. Shallow chipping around base. A small chip and wear to interior of rim. H 15 1/4".