Exceedingly Rare and Important F. STETZENMEYER / ROCHESTER, NY Stoneware Jug w/ Elaborate Fox Decoration

Fall 2023 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 2

Price Realized: $57,000.00

($47,500 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.

Auction Highlight: Greatest Hits | Fall 2023 Auction | NY State Stoneware

Fall 2023 Auction Catalog

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Exceedingly Rare and Important Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Fox Decoration, Stamped "F. STETZENMEYER. & Co. / ROCHESTER, N.Y.," circa 1855, ovoid jug with thick, tapered spout, decorated with a painterly slip-trailed scene depicting a standing fox with turned head and heavily-spotted body, including a tall, plumed shrub behind the animal and detailed sunflower in front. The orientation of the fox's head makes it appear as though the creature is looking at the maker's mark above. Heavy striping fills out the leaves on the plants incorporated into the scene as well as the leaf-like ground cover below the animal. Dotted trails accent the ground as well as the sunflower plant. Slip-trailed "3." to shoulder. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark. Frederick Stetzenmeyer ranks among the most desirable of all 19th century Northeastern stoneware makers. Few examples of his shop's products depicting animal designs of any kind--bird or mammal--have been documented. This jug is regarded as one of the finest examples of Stetzenmeyer stoneware known and one of only a very few surviving pieces depicting the region's coveted fox motif. The design showcases the highly artistic nature of the Rochester decoration, which sets it apart from any other stoneware produced in 19th century America. The addition of a heavily-spotted sunflower depicted in oversized scale in relation to the fox adds to the appeal of this exceptional work. Excellent condition with a 2 3/4" Y-shaped line emanating from a tiny surface ping on reverse, a tiny glazed-over in-the-firing ping at base on front, and some light wear to cobalt at base of design. H 16".