Lot #: 309
Price Realized: $1,920.00
($1,600 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)
PLEASE NOTE: The American ceramics market frequently changes, often dramatically. 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.
Extremely Rare Slip-Decorated Redware Figure of a Dog, attributed to Solomon Bell, Strasburg, VA, circa 1850-1880, hand-modeled figure of a dog with deeply-gouged coat and incised details to face and paws, seated atop an oval base with impressed flowers at the center and circles along the edge. Surface dipped in yellowish slip, decorated with daubs of manganese, and covered in a clear lead glaze. While redware dog figures are often erroneously attributed to the Bell family, this example features impressed floral designs matching those found in the Bells' production. The figure's glaze is most consistent with the work of Solomon Bell, as is its construction and stance, both of which closely relate to those seen in his iconic pair of large redware cats. Relatively few dog figures with strong attributions to any member of the Bell family are known, this example retaining a beautiful glaze associated with Strasburg, Virginia style. A closely-related dog was sold in Crocker Farm's Spring 2022 auction, lot 246. Literature: For other related works and discussion of Solomon Bell's animal forms, see Comstock, The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, pp. 232-233. For a large-sized standing redware dog, attributed to John Bell and bearing identical floral stamps, see Comstock, pg. 156, fig. 4.217. Approximately 1" of the front of the base is restored. Much of underside includes restoration paint. A 3/4" surface line to underside, not visible on interior. Wear to forehead and muzzle. Light wear to ears and tail. H 4 3/8" ; L 3 3/4".
Click images to enlarge.
A Few of the Related Items We've Sold
JOHN W. BELL / Waynesboro, Pa Redware Whippet Figure
Extremely Rare and Exceptional Multi-Glazed Redware Lamb Figure, J. Eberly, Strasburg, VA
Important Samuel Bell (Shenandoah Valley, Strasburg, VA) Stoneware Face Pitcher
Shenandoah Valley Redware Pitcher & Washbowl Set, attrib. J. Eberly & Co., Strasburg, VA
Exceedingly Rare Cornwall, New York Incised Mermaid Stoneware Water Cooler
Very Important Pair of Glazed Redware Spaniels Signed JOHN BELL, Waynesboro, PA
