Exceedingly Rare and Important One-and-a-Half-Gallon Stoneware Batter Pail with Three Cobalt Man-in-the-Moon Motifs, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA," circa 1865, ovoid form with tubular pouring spout, handle at base on reverse, and applied clay tabs fitted with a wood-and-wire bail handle, decorated on the front and sides with three brushed renderings of a long-nosed face in profile, emanating from a crescent-shaped foliate motif. Interestingly, the three man-in-the-moon motifs present three different facial expressions; the face to the left of the spout appears angry or disappointed, the face to the right of the spout happily displays a smile, and the larger face on the reverse appears satisfied or content. A wreath design surrounds the base of the spout and cobalt highlights adorn the applied clay tabs, handle terminals, maker's mark, and capacity mark. Pail includes tin lid and spout cover. Among the finest examples of Central Pennsylvania stoneware that we have ever offered, this masterwork is an amalgamation of one of the region's most prized makers, forms, and designs. Its over-the-top application of the famous man-in-the-moon motif three times on the same vessel melds rarity with extreme visual appeal, making this work an icon of the region's rich potting tradition. Chipping to spout and bottom edge of handle on reverse. A rim chip on reverse. Small spots of fry to cobalt. A 3/4" surface crack along top edge of rim. H 9 3/4".
