Important and Probably Unique Glazed Stoneware Figural Jug, Stamped "W GRINSTAFF / S:KONT.TY" and "KNOXVILLE TENN." Four Times, Grindstaff Pottery, Knoxville, TN, circa 1885-1895, wheel-thrown vessel creating a human form with semi-ovoid body, rounded head with semi-rounded spout above, and large strap handle on reverse, the head with hand-modeled and applied facial features including a pronounced, flattened forehead with raised and impressed eyes, circular ears with incised details, nose with carved nostrils, open mouth with small applied broken-china teeth, and broad chin. Body of vessel accented with two incised lines, the figure's neck featuring an applied jacket collar with impressed circular detail at center, flanked by four curved stamps, reading "KNOXVILLE TENN." Stylized arms curve around the vessel's sides to the front, meeting at the collar. Impressed at midsection with the maker's mark, "W GRINSTAFF / S:KONTY.TY." followed by the number, "1." Surface covered in a thick, dark-brown slip with light overlying salt glaze. One of the cornerstones of Wahler's collection, this face vessel is distinguished by its strong folk art appeal, large size, and extremely rare maker's mark. Attesting to the object's exceptional rarity, Wahler states, "This is the only known Grindstaff figural, however, a sherd containing these two stamps ["W GRINSTAFF" and "S:KONT.TY"] has been found." Among the most famous examples of Tennessee pottery in existence, this work has several pages of illustration dedicated to it in Wahler's Tennessee Turned, including the back cover. Exhibited: Arts of Tennessee, Frist Center for the Visual Arts, September 13, 2003 - January 18, 2004; Exhibited: Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. Literature: Illustrated in Wahler, Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Part One, p. 94, p. 96, p. 97, p. 122, pl. 20, p. 230, pl. 20, p. 207, fig. 99, and back cover. Provenance: Wahler states that the jug "descended in the Sullivan Saloon owners family. . . Jane Mays suggests the 'S' may stand for Sullivan." This jug survives in rarely-found excellent condition with minor wear to spout, some light chipping to circular impression at center of jacket collar, and a few in-the-firing fissures at arms. H 14 1/2".
