Important and Possibly Unique Salt-Glazed Stoneware Jug, Stamped "A. J. CRAVEN," Andrew Jackson Craven, Randolph County, NC, third quarter 19th century, ovoid jug with wide, flaring spout, semi-squared mouth, and deeply-grooved strap handle, the surface covered in a salt glaze with dramatic top-to-bottom glaze run on the reverse and handle. Body of jug decorated with numerous decorative incised lines as well as two rows of dentile coggling at the shoulder. Shoulder impressed with A.J. Craven maker's mark beside a two-gallon capacity mark. According to Wahler's notes, this jug is the "ONLY ONE known at this time" bearing this maker's mark. Scarborough's The Craven Family of Southern Folk Potters states there were three Andrew Jackson Cravens, one described as a landowner, another as a farmer, and a third as a school teacher, none of whom were known to be potters. (Scarborough, p. 9, 11, and 28). This jug suggests otherwise. Scarborough notes that "there is considerable confusion in properly identifying all three of the Andrew Jackson Cravens and that further research is necessary to identify them" (Scarborough, p. 11). Easily among the rarest marked Craven family vessels known, this work displays the proficient throwing and firing abilities of this dynastic North Carolina potting family. Its spout and handle construction indicate a style that is possibly distinct to this specific family member. A 7/8" spout chip with a 1 1/8" hairline descending from it. A minor base nick. H 15".
