Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, c1935

Spring 2022 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 222

Price Realized: $5,100.00

($4,250 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

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Auction Highlight: Spring 2022 Auction | Southern Pottery | Face Jugs | North Carolina Pottery

Spring 2022 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, circa 1935, wide-bodied, ovoid pitcher with narrow base, short collar, and pronounced, upswept spout, the front decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face, including eyes with recessed sockets, well-sculpted nose, slightly-open mouth, rounded chin, and distinctive ears with recessed edges. Surface covered in a cream-colored glaze with cobalt highlights to the collar and facial features. The high-gloss glaze, likely produced from the pottery's usual source of ground Coca-Cola bottles, includes appealing runs to the cobalt throughout the face. The outstanding blue-over-cream glaze scheme on this example, common to smaller table ware from this shop, was developed by Clara Maude Cobb Hilton (1885-1969), wife of pottery owner, Ernest Auburn Hilton (1879-1948). Among the finest works known by this historic North Carolina potting dynasty. Provenance: Recently surfaced in the South-central U.S. Excellent, essentially as-made condition. H 8 1/4 " ; Diam. (at rim) 5".