Extremely Rare Glazed Redware Jar with Relief Decoration, Stamped "JUNIATA POTTERY / BY. / G.M. MILLER / 1/4," Newport, PA, mid 19th century, molded, four-sided jar with canted corners, each side with paneled, relief decoration featuring stylized floral motifs. Surface covered in a lead-and-manganese glaze featuring reddish-brown coloration with lighter spotting throughout. Underside impressed with large "JUNIATA POTTERY / BY. / G.M. MILLER" maker's mark, including the fraction, "1/4," presumably indicating a quarter-gallon capacity. This jar is one of a few signed pieces known by George Miller, father of famous Newport potting duo, Michael and Theophilus Miller. The business name, Juniata Pottery, was carried on by the Miller brothers after their father retired. Its distinctive form and glaze relate it to works produced by the Gast family of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Frederick Leitzinger of Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Central Pennsylvania redware signed with an impressed maker's mark is exceedingly rare, this example produced at one of the premiere potteries in the entire region. Two 1" lines to collar. Light surface wear. A tiny chip to bottom edge. H 6 7/8".
