Rare Alkaline-Glazed Southern Stoneware Face Jug, late 19th century

Spring 2022 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 223

Price Realized: $2,520.00

($2,100 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 2 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 2022 Auction Catalog

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Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Southern U.S. origin, fourth quarter 19th century, ovoid jug with squared spout molding and thin strap handle, the front decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face, including eyes, eyebrows, oblong forehead, ears, nose with pierced nostrils, mouth with applied clay teeth, and elongated chin. Incised beard and hair on top of figure's head. Additional incised details to pupils, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Surface covered in an olive-green alkaline glaze with in-the-firing voids. The refined potting of this jug forms an intriguing juxtaposition with the face's stylized features. The face shows asymmetry in its design, a trait also exhibited in some Edgefield face vessels. In this instance, one eye is placed vertically and one ear is reversed. Strong folk art appeal and unusually large size for its age and origin. A long, thin crack to base area on reverse. In-the-firing flakes to underside at edge. Exfoliation to underside. A 1 1/2" x 7/8" reglued section to spout. Spout chip. One ear appears to be reglued, including painted touch-up along the edge of the ear. Chip to chin. A restored 1 1/2" hole to the large unglazed area on the right side of the jug. An in-the-firing ping to forehead. H 11".