Very Rare att. John Morgan, Rockbridge County, Virginia Stoneware Jug w/ Incised Decoration

Summer 2021 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 86

Price Realized: $2,760.00

($2,300 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.

Summer 2021 Auction Catalog

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Very Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Incised Decoration, attributed to John Morgan, Rockbridge County, VA origin, circa 1830, ovoid jug with tooled spout and thick, heavily-ribbed handle, decorated with an incised and cobalt-highlighted design of a circular, open-centered piece of fruit surmounted by graduated leaves and an open-centered flower bud. Potted in the Manhattan, NY style, this jug's clay color and handle construction indicate it was manufactured in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The vessel's distinctive openwork incising is seen on other pieces attributed to John Morgan during his tenure in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Traits of this design are closely-related to that seen on a jar incised "Quinces," sold as lot 226 in Crocker Farm's November 3, 2011 auction. Incised examples atrributed to Morgans' Rockbridge period are considered very rare. This example combines rarity with high aesthetic appeal, featuring large size, graceful potting, refined incising, and superb color. Excellent condition with a 6" area of crazing near base on right side of jug, probably in-the-firing, and small base chips. 16".