Exceptional Five-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Elaborate Cobalt Peacock Decoration, Stamped 'HUBBELL & CHESEBRO, / GEDDES, N.Y.," circa 1870, ovoid churn with flared collar and applied lug handles, decorated with a large slip-trailed design of a peacock with turned head, perched on the leaf of a plant with closed bud. The style of the design indicates it was executed by a highly-skilled, Rochester, NY-trained decorator. Measuring 11 1/4" tall and confidently drawn with long, curving trails and profuse detail, this decoration easily ranks among the finest depictions of a peacock that we have ever offered. The head features an oversized eye and crown composed of scrolled feathers; the neck, whimsically depicted with a wavy attitude, includes scalloped horizontal feathering throughout; and the bird's long, flowing tail features the species' distinctive "eyes" in bold spots of cobalt. Heavy cobalt striping accents the breast and other areas of the body. The decorative value of this work is compounded by the exemplary firing of this work, including crispness to the slip-trailing and exceptional color and contrast to the cobalt and clay ground. Excellent, essentially as-made condition with a few very minor chips to interior of rim. H 17".
