Exceedingly Rare and Important Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, attributed to Cheever Meaders, Cleveland, GA, second quarter 20th century, semi-ovoid jug with narrow spout, decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face, including eyes with applied quartz, c-scroll ears, narrow nose, and open mouth with broken china teeth. Surface covered in a dark-olive alkaline glaze. Cheever Meaders (1887-1967), was the son of Meaders Pottery founder, John Milton Meaders, who was not a potter himself, but employed his sons to produce the ware. As the husband of potter Arie and father of potters Lanier, John, Edwin, and Reggie, he was a highly influential figure in 20th century Southern stoneware production. While face jugs were produced in great numbers by his sons, few examples by Cheever Meaders are known. Among the finest surviving works by the patriarch of the Meaders family of potters. Provenance: A recently-surfaced example, acquired by the consignor from an old homestead in Tangier, IN forty-five years ago. Excellent condition with a minuscule nick to mouth. H 9 3/4".
