Very Rare Three-Gallon J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT Stoneware Churn w/ Cobalt Bird-on-Stump Design

Fall 2022 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 11

Price Realized: $2,760.00

($2,300 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.

Fall 2022 Auction Catalog

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Very Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Cobalt Bird-on-Stump Decoration, Stamped "J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT," circa 1855, semi-ovoid churn with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a slip-trailed design of a crested bird with long tail, perched on a detailed stump surrounded by shrubs and ground cover. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and capacity mark. Includes fitting, but not original, 19th century Albany-slip-glazed lid. The composition of this design is highly unusual, as it features the Nortons' typical forward-facing, crested bird motif, possibly representing a blue jay, on a large stump instead of a simple horizontal tree branch. This pottery's bird-on-stump motifs commonly depicted a turned-head pheasant instead. This churn is the first example of Norton stoneware decorated in this manner that we have offered. A 1 1/8" rim chip. A 3" vertical Y-shaped surface line to front, not visible on interior. Other Y-shaped or spider lines to surface, primarily on reverse, not visible on interior. A thin, sealed X-shaped crack across underside, only partially visible on interior. Minor nicks to inner rim for lid. A small in-the-firing contact mark to right edge of decoration. A small in-the-firing contact mark near base on reverse. A small stone ping to rim on reverse. Some in-the-firing cobalt haze on front. H 15 1/2".