Rare and Fine Four-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Cobalt Songbird on Flower Decoration, Stamped "JOHN BURGER / ROCHESTER," NY State origin, circa 1860, semi-ovoid churn with flared rim and applied lug handles, decorated with a large slip-trailed design of a bird with intricately-detailed body, perched on a daisy plant with large central blossom, leaves, and three buds. Slip-trailed "4." above. Cobalt accent to maker's mark. This work typifies Burger's prized decorative abilities in its exuberant, painterly design, fine detail, and superb color. The design dominates the front of the churn, measuring an imposing 11 1/2" tall by approximately 9 3/4" wide around the curve of the vessel. An excellent example of New York State stoneware in terms of decoration, maker, form, and color. Provenance: A recently-discovered example. A 1 1/2" x 1 1/8" rim chip on reverse. A small in-the-firing iron ping to reverse. A shallow 1 3/8" chip to inner rim for lid. A faint 3" vertical surface line to midsection on reverse, not visible on interior. A faint 1 3/4" vertical surface line at base on front, not visible on interior. A tiny base flake. A few spots of light staining. H 17 1/2".
