Monumental B.B. CRAIG / VALE, N.C. Face Jug, 1979

Fall 2025 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 466

Price Realized: $4,800.00

($4,000 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: Fall 2025 Auction | Southern Pottery | Face Jugs

Fall 2025 Auction Catalog

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Monumental Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Stamped "B.B. CRAIG / VALE, N.C.," 1979, ovoid jug with flared spout and two rounded vertical handles, decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face featuring bulging eyes with eyebrows, curved ears, nose with pierced nostrils, and smiling mouth with china teeth. Surface covered in a mottled green alkaline glaze with heavy glass runs including traces of rutile. Underside impressed with Burlon Craig maker's mark. Exceptional size. Provenance: Underside includes a printed label, reading, "G. Hale bought this / 23" high B.B. Craig- / signed grotesque-face / jug from E.E. Mallar , Jr. / (residing in Raleigh, N.C.) / on Nov. 13, 1979. E.E. Mallar, / Jr. was told by B.B. Craig / that this is one of only / two or three of the largest / grotesque-face jugs he (B.B. / Craig) has made and will make. Excellent, essentially as-made condition. H 23".

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.