Exceptional Salt-Glazed Stoneware Vase with Dipped Slip Decoration, Inscribed "I Want you for / My Master" and "AHD," Signed "GW dunn / Pumpkin / Center," George W. Dunn, Pumpkin Center, Putnam County, TN, circa 1880-1920, ovoid vase with pronounced, flattened foot, stepped rim molding, and two ribbed, vertical handles with pointed lower terminals, featuring the incised signature "GW dunn / Pumpkin / Center on one side," the inscription, "I Want you for / My Master" on the reverse, and the initials, "AHD," likely referring to a Dunn family member, on the foot. Surface dipped in a brown slip and covered in a light salt glaze. Among Dunn's finest vases known, elevated by its rare signature with "Pumpkin Center" location and charming inscription on the reverse. This work and a few other special Dunn vases highlight the potter's interest in giving a voice to the vessel. One of these, sold in Crocker Farm, Inc.'s January 2025 auction of the Carole Wahler collection, reads, "I AM FROM 10EC" (I Am From Tennessee). In her notes, Wahler states, "Pumpkin Center was apparently close to site 40PM60. There was a church at Pumpkin Center. This is the way George W. Dunn (dunn) signed his name on pots. He was bo. 25 Jan 1852. Father was Hyrum Spears. Mary Ann Dunn never married Hyrum. Later Jeff (Hyrum's brother married her.)" Exhibited: Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. A loss to tip of each lower handle terminal. Otherwise excellent condition. H 11 1/2".
