Extremely Rare Middle Tennessee Stoneware Lidded Presentation Jar w/ Applied Decoration, "MOTHER"

Spring 2021 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 176

Price Realized: $840.00

($700 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 3 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.

Spring 2021 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Lidded Stoneware Presentation Jar with Applied Decoration and Lettering, Inscribed "MOTHER," Middle Tennessee origin, fourth quarter 19th century, ovoid jar with footed base, rope-twist handles, and tall collar with squared rim; decorated on one side with the applied clay letters forming the circular word, "MOTHER." Reverse with applied clay four-pointed star motif above a V-shaped series of applied clay studs. Additional studded decoration to rim. Handles with clay screwhead terminals. Original lid embellished with applied clay studs. Surface covered in a dark-brown Albany slip glaze. While other initialed works are known from this region, this jar is the first example that we have offered with an entire word spelled in applied clay, as well as the first of this form that we have seen, possibly a sugar jar. Provenance: Recently surfaced in the Southern United States. Jar with wear to applied decoration, wear to one handle, and minor wear to end of opposite handle. One applied clay stud missing at rim. Some additional wear to rim and shoulder molding. A tiny in-the-firing chip to bottom edge. Lid with a 7/8" chip to edge, wear to knob, and a chip to flange on underside. H (including lid) 6 1/2".