Extremely Rare Molded Redware Hunt Scene Pitcher with Yellow Glaze, attributed to Levi Coates, Chester County, PA, early to mid 19th century, thinly-molded, oval-bodied pitcher with angular handle and pronounced spout, decorated with a relief scene depicting a man with dog, horses, and a tree beside a fence on one side, and dogs taking down a fox with trees in the background on the opposing side. Classical drape motif to collar. Surface covered in a rare bright-yellow glaze related to Staffordshire "canaryware." The second example of Levi Coates pottery that we have offered, this work is documented in Arthur James's The Potters and Potteries of Chester County, Pennsylvania. James describes Coates as "another representative [along with members of the Vickers family] of Chester County's trilogy embracing roles of Quaker, Potter, and Abolitionist ... . On April 12 1809, he married Mary Truman and established a home which soon became an active station on the Underground Railroad as well as a center of farming and potting activities. 'Levi Coates Pottery' is listed on Painter & Bowen's 1847 Map of Chester County. He was a 'Bluebird Potter,' following the pursuit only at such times as local needs demanded." (James, pp. 51-52) A petite-sized and beautifully-glazed work, historically linked to the cause of freedom. Literature: Illustrated in James, p. 52. For more information of Coates, see James pp. 51-53. Two old partially-filled and colored spout chips and traces of old painted touch-up to spout. Two small rim chips and some traces of old painted touch-up to rim. A few tiny glaze flakes to interior of collar. Minor wear to handle with small amounts of old painted brown touch-up. H 5 1/8".
