Outstanding Five-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Rooster Scene, Stamped "JOHN BURGER. / ROCHESTER," NY State origin, circa 1860, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-squared rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a large slip-trailed design of a strutting rooster atop a well-detailed, shrubbed ground, facing a large cattail plant. Slip-trailed, scrolled "5." to shoulder. Brushed cobalt highlight to maker's mark. A popular subject in American folk art, this particular rendering of a rooster ranks among the very best in this country's early ceramic production. Replete with detailed feathering to the body and tail, flowing, hair-like feathers to the head and neck, and a pronounced comb, the bird is given attitude and personality with its confident stance and raised leg. The tail includes overlapping pointed feathers, a challenging treatment, characteristic of the realism and attention to detail with which Burger decorated his ware. The design, executed in bold, crisp cobalt accents a light-gray ground, reveals Burger as not only an expert decorator and pottery, but one capable of glazing and firing his work to perfection. This crock truly transcends its medium and reads much like an Audubon work or 19th century pastoral painting. A diagonal 6" line from rim. An approximately 10" horizontal line at base, extending 7" onto underside. Some staining. Some minor flakes to base. H 12 1/2".
