Exceedingly Rare and Important Early-Period Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug with Rock Eyes and Black Slip Decoration, Signed "L.M.," Lanier and Arie Meaders, Cleveland, GA origin, circa late 1960s, ovoid jug with tooled shoulder and flaring spout, decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face including large rock eyes set within oval lids, a pronounced nose, curved ears, and rippled mouth; brush-decorated with highly unusual black-slip hair to the head, highlights to the upper eyelids, and a mustache along the upper lip. Surface covered in an olive-colored alkaline glaze with high gloss, applied over beige-colored clay. Underside inscribed with the script initials, "L.M.," in brushed blue slip, a desirable, early form of signature for Lanier Meaders. While the thrown and modeled face jug is his creation, showing the influence of his father, Cheever, in its large rock eyes, its slip decoration was likely applied by his mother, Arie, who used matching brushwork on her own face jugs. While a number of vases and other forms have been documented as made by Cheever and Arie working together, this collaboration between mother and son is more unusual. Indeed, this face jug is the first of its kind that we have seen combining the efforts of both of these Meaders family members. Its early period of manufacture, highly-prized rock eye treatment and exceedingly rare slip decoration, place it among the very best face jugs known by any member of this illustrious Southern potting dynasty. Provenance: Brunk Auctions, Asheville, NC, January 6, 2007; Frank W. White Collection. Two reglued pieces to proper right eyelid, typical of Meaders family rock-eyed face jugs. Two minor chips to proper left ear. Otherwise excellent condition. H 9".
