Rare and Important One-Gallon Salt-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Stamped "H. WILSON & CO.," Guadalupe County, TX origin, circa 1869-1884 ,semi-ovoid jar with slightly-flared collar, and flattened, semi-rounded rim with inner flange to hold a lid, the surface covered in a clear salt glaze. Brown slip coating to interior and traces of brown slip to exterior along with a bluish salt drip. Impressed diagonally with "H. WILSON & CO." maker's mark at shoulder. This jar was produced at the historically significant shop of free African-American potter, Hiram Wilson. Wilson is regarded as the first African-American business owner in the state of Texas, establishing his pottery in 1869 with two other freed slaves, James Wilson and Wallace Wilson, who had all taken the surname of their former master. This operation ended with Hiram Wilson's death in 1884. Faint fingerprints impressed into the clay while the jar was being removed from the wheel possibly belongs to one of these three figures. Marked examples of Wilson stoneware are considered among the most desirable pottery produced in 19th century Texas and are rarely made available publicly. Literature: For more information on Wilson Pottery, see Brown, "The Wilson Potters: An African-American Enterprise in 19th-Century Texas" in Texas Clay: 19th-Century Stoneware Pottery from the Bayou Bend Collection, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, p. 49-67; see also Urist, "Three Formerly Enslaved Artists Created Beautiful Pottery 150 Years Ago, and Now Their Wares Are Coveted Around the World," Smithsonian Magazine, June 2025; Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignor at a yard sale near Marion, Texas. Wear to rim. Two hairlines from rim, measuring 2 1/2" and 2". A 5/8" in-the-firing base chip, which is glazed over. H 9 1/2".
