Exceptional 3 Gal. COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA Stoneware Jug w/ Elaborate Man-in-the-Moon

Summer 2025 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 153

Price Realized: $10,800.00

($9,000 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.

Auction Highlight: Summer 2025 Auction | Central PA Stoneware

Summer 2025 Auction Catalog

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Exceptional Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Man-in-the-Moon Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA," circa 1865, ovoid jug with squared spout, brush-decorated with the profile of a man's face with long nose, mustache, and facial hair on chin, surrounded by a curved bough of leaves. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark, capacity mark, and handle terminals. Among the finest renderings of this iconic Central Pennsylvania motif to come to auction in years, the design on this jug is elevated by its large size and rare inclusion of a mustache and mouche, a French term for the strip of facial hair grown below the lower lip. Some fry to cobalt. Spout with a small chip to top edge and two minor chips to bottom edge. In-the-firing contact mark to handle. H 15 1/2".