Rare and Important Edgefield District, SC Stoneware Face Harvest Jug w/ Elaborate Hand-Modeled Features

Spring 2023 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 6

Price Realized: $42,000.00

($35,000 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.

Spring 2023 Auction Catalog

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Rare and Important Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1845-1865, wheel-thrown, ovoid form with hand-modeled tubular spout on reverse, decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face, featuring bulging eyes set within flattened lids, arched eyebrows, misshapen nose with carved nostrils, large ears with tragi, and an open mouth with flattened lips and deeply-carved teeth. Various depressions throughout mimic the structure of the human face. Surface covered in a mottled olive-green alkaline glaze. This recently-surfaced example features a visually-powerful and expressive face including raised brows, wide eyes, and open mouth, conveying surprise or anguish. Potted in a desirable, uncommon harvest jug form, the face also includes lesser-seen glazing to the eyes and teeth. Provenance: Found under a barn in the Columbia, SC area during the early 20th century. Missing majority of handle. Chipping to ears. A chip to each tragus. A chip to one eyelid. A small chip to bottom edge of lower lip. H 7 1/2".