Extremely Rare COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA Stoneware Jar w/ Clown Decoration

Spring 2021 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 307

Price Realized: $1,440.00

($1,200 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

◀︎ Back to Catalog

▶ Login

Extremely Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Clown Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA," circa 1865, cylindrical jar with tooled shoulder, flared collar, and applied lug handles, decorated with a brushed torso of a figure with crescent-moon-shaped head, large nose, frilled collar, and heavily-buttoned shirt. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and handle terminals. One of a very few extant Cowden & Wilcox jars with this specific figural design known, this charming folk art design likely represents a clown. Human-form designs are highly unusual from this pottery, this example potted in a desirable one gallon size and featuring brilliant color. Provenance: Purchased by the consignor at Roan Auction's Sale of the Eleanor C. Stipp Collection in the 1980s. Stipp reportedly had family connections to the Harrisburg stoneware industry. Red labels on the jar's reverse and underside indicate the piece's maker and Stipp provenance. A 3 1/2" tall section broken from rim and reglued, including a 2 3/8" x 1" curved section of rim restored. This damage includes three short cracks extending from it and two sliver-shaped chips along reglued section. A minor, 1/2" filled rim chip on reverse. Chips to inner rim for lid. A smooth, shallow 1" in-the-making base chip, a tiny base nick, and a 2" horizontal surface line at base, not visible on interior. H 9 1/2".