Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Edgefield District, SC origin, probably Thomas J. Davies Pottery, third quarter 19th century, petite, ovoid jug with semi-rounded spout, decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face featuring pierced kaolin eyes set within oval lids, conjoined eyebrows above, a small nose, large ears with applied circular tragi, and an open mouth featuring carved kaolin teeth. Surface covered in a mottled olive alkaline glaze with intentional omission of the glaze on the eyes and teeth. Heavier application of the glaze and areas where it has pooled, such as the top of the eyebrows and mouth, create appealing variation in the color of the surface. Underside bears an old pencil notation possibly referring to previous ownership, which appears to read, "1882 / Pri.....(?)." Face vessels of this style are routinely attributed to unidentified enslaved African-American potters at the Thomas J. Davies Palmetto Fire Brick Works of Bath, South Carolina, circa 1862-1865. The intriguing origins and highly expressive nature of Edgefield's face vessels have made them prized works of American art crossing a broad spectrum of scholarships and collecting fields. Provenance: H.W. Carroll Furman, Camden, SC; Bill Mishoe Auction, Columbia, SC; Roger Streeter, Columbia, SC; Ivy Auctions, Laurens, SC, December 16, 2014. The jug's earliest recorded owner, H.W. Carroll Furman (1922-2011) was a combat infantry veteran of World War II, who was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. A graduate of The Citadel, Furman was awarded The Order of the Palmetto by South Carolina Governor, Carroll Campbell, and practiced law in Camden after retirement from regular duty. Missing handle. Shallow chipping along ears. Chip to bottom of nose. A minor nick to proper upper right eyelid. Minor spout wear. H 5".
