Very Rare Figural-Decorated Stoneware Flask with Incised Map and Two-Color Slip Decoration, attributed to Jacob Bachley, Tekarkana Pottery, Texarkana, AR, circa 1880, wheel-thrown, double-lobed flask with tall spout and semi-rounded mouth, the handle modeled in the form of a snake constricting the vessel's neck and a figure of a frog applied at the shoulder. Incised on one side with a cobalt-highlighted map of the South Central U.S., featuring the following landmarks: St. Louis, Poplar Bluff, Cairo, Ohio R, Miss River, Memphis, Fort Smith, Ark River, Little Rock, Beton(sic), Malvern, and Hot Springs. The map includes iron-slip dots marking each of these landmarks. Reverse incised with an intricate, cobalt-and-iron-slip-highlighted line decoration. Areas surrounding these incised panels features heavy cobalt highlights interspersed with wavy lines of iron slip. Additional iron slip details appears throughout the snake handle and frog. Surface covered in a clear salt glaze. An outstanding work of ceramic folk art, this flask was made by French-born potter, Jacob Bachley, at his Texarkana Pottery, modeled after the work of his former employers, Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick of Anna, IL. Noteworthy of this vessel is its prolific use of incised and bold, two-color slip decorations, its unusual form, and desirable application of animal figures. Very few examples of its type are known. Losses to snake, including head. Otherwise excellent condition. H 8 1/4".
