Extremely Rare Glazed Redware Figure of a Seated Schoolmaster, attributed to the Henry Fare Pottery, Tulpehocken Township, Berks County, PA, circa 1861-1888, hand-modeled sculpture of a schoolmaster seated at a lectern on slab base, the figure depicted with raised arm holding a ferule (schoolmaster's stick). A wonderful folk art rendering of the human form, this work features heavily incised hair and scored topknot on the figure's head, large ears and nose, small, rounded eyes, and incised details to head and fingers. A pierced vent hole extends through the ears. The figure's chair includes vertically carved details to the upper edge. Elaborate asterisk stamping to the chair and lectern support an attribution to the Henry Fare Pottery of Tulpehocken Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, a shop active circa 1861-1888. Surface covered in a heavy lead glaze with manganese accents. A Pennsylvania figural masterwork, distinguished by its outstanding sculptural quality, unusual subject matter, and fine condition. Provenance: Ex-Donald Walters. Loss to upper end of schoolmaster's stick. Otherwise excellent condition with a surface-level firing crack to fingers of proper left handle, a small post-firing chip to underside at edge, and two additional small in-the-firing chips (contact marks) to underside at edge.H 7 1/2" ; L 4" ; W 2 5/8".
