Exceptional Five-Gallon Double-Handled Stoneware Jug with Alkaline Glaze and Kaolin Slip Decoration, Stamped "CHANDLER / MAKER," Thomas Chandler Pottery, Kirksey's Crossroads, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1850, ovoid jug with flaring, semi-squared spout and two ribbed-strap handles applied at the shoulder, decorated on the front in slip-trailed kaolin slip with an unusual double-blossomed floral motif featuring scalloped circular blossoms and leaves. Impressed above with Thomas Chandler maker's mark. Reverse further decorated in slip-trailed kaolin slip with a large flower blossom surrounding the number, "5," denoting five gallons. Surface covered in a beautiful, bluish-gray alkaline glaze. Outstanding in all respects, this jug combines form, size, decoration, glaze, and condition, to produce one of the finest Chandler jugs to ever come to auction. Exhibited/Literature: Great Pots from the Traditions of North & South Carolina, North Carolina Pottery Center, May 6 - July 22, 2017, pp. 44-45 of exhibition catalog. Hewitt, editor of Great Pots ... (the exhibition catalog), dedicates two large photographs to this jug in his book, describing it with the following: "Soft color and strong form while the decoration sits perfectly on the shoulder. Big blue celadon, calm and authoritative" (Hewitt, p. 45). Excellent condition with only minor flaws. A few short, in-the-firing lines near upper handle terminals, which are heavily glaze over. A minor chip and two miniscule nicks to spout. Some wear to kaolin slip at base of decoration on front. A few other minor spots of wear to slip. A glazed-over ping towards base on proper left side of jug. In-the-making wrinkles in clay at base. H 19 1/2".
