Very Rare Stoneware Face Jug with Applied Lizard, GA origin, late 19th century, semi-ovoid jug with cylindrical spout, decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face including highly-stylized ears, pierced eyes within elliptical lids, pinched nose with carved nostrils, open mouth with broken china teeth, and rounded chip. Forehead features a highly unusual applied clay figure of a lizard with heavily-incised scales. Surface covered in a brown Albany-slip-type glaze. A piece of glaze applied to the upper lip prior to firing produces a glossy grayish run. This outstanding work or another like it may have served as the inspiration for the well-known lizard-decorated face jugs produced during the late 20th century by noted Gillsville, Georgia potter, Chester Hewell. Missing handle. Loss to head of lizard. A flake spanning most of the length of the proper right handle. A 5/8" flake and minor chip to proper left ear. A minor spout chip on reverse. A small chip to upper proper left eyelid. A small chip and light wear to lower lip. A shallow 1/2" flake and minor chip to bottom edge of nose. H 9".
