Monumental Double-Handled Stoneware Presentation Jug with Incised Flag Decoration, Inscribed "W.H. Triphugen Esq / Pewamo, MI," probably Akron, OH origin, circa 1880, ovoid jug with tooled shoulder and two applied, open handles descending from the spout to the shoulder, the front incised with a cobalt-highlighted design of an American flag with pointed finial and hanging tassels. Incised above with the cobalt-highlighted inscription, "W H Triphugen Esq / Pewamo. Mich." The flag depicted on this work features twenty-six stars, signifying Michigan's inception into the Union in 1837. William H. Triphagen (spelled here "Triphugen") was a grocer living and working in Pewamo (Ionia County), Michigan, circa 1880. This work's combined decoration, size, and two-handled form create an object of high decorative appeal as well as significant rarity, the latter compounded by the jug's inscription for a resident of Michigan. Few examples of stoneware related to this state are known, this jug being among the very best. Provenance: Cowan's, Cincinnati, Ohio, April 12, 2014, Lot 200. Excellent condition with three small spout chips, some in-the-firing chipping to base, salt drips to shoulder, some light staining and old white paint residue to surface, and some faint in-the-firing lines around the lower handle terminals. H 24 1/4".
Special Note: Due to this object's large size, we are unable to ship it using our normal in-house shipping service. It must either be picked up by the high bidder, or special arrangements must be made by the high bidder for pick up and / or shipping by a third party. If you have any questions, please contact us; we are certainly able to recommend options for third party shippers ahead of time that you can contact for a quote.
