Important and Very Rare Early-Period Lanier Meaders Face Jug w/ Rock Eyes, late 1960's

Spring 2026 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 343

Price Realized: $9,600.00

($8,000 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

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Auction Highlight: Spring 2026 Auction | Southern Pottery | Face Jugs | Meaders Family Pottery

Spring 2026 Auction Catalog

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Important and Very Rare Early-Period Stoneware Face Jug with Rock Eyes and Alkaline Glaze, attributed to Lanier Meaders, Cleveland, GA, circa late 1960s, ovoid jug with slightly-flared spout, decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face including rarely-seen rock eyes with black pupils, set within circular lids, a depressed nose, and unusual rounded lips with rock teeth. Surface covered in a mottled olive-green alkaline glaze. This work is among the more significant Lanier Meaders face jugs that we have offered, featuring rock eyes in the manner of his father, Cheever. The reductive features- omitting ears, and having cruder applied eyelids, nose, and mouth- all speak to the early production of this potter. The interesting application of the upper lip shows connection with the vessel only at its terminals, with a gap spanning most of its length- evident of Meaders's ever-evolving style as a master of this form. Unmarked. Provenance: Frank W. White Collection. One spout chip, possibly in-the-making. Cracks to eyelids, typical of Meaders face jugs of this time period. H 8 3/4".