Extremely Rare Vertical-Handled Stoneware Jar with Two-Sided Incised Bird Decoration, Manhattan, NY origin, probably Crolius Family, late 18th century, ovoid jar with footed base, heavily-tooled shoulder, flared rim, and two vertically-applied open handles at the shoulder. Decorated on one side with a large incised and cobalt-highlighted bird featuring unusual incised oval spotting accented with incised dashes, standing on a stylized ground. Reverse decorated with a similar incised and cobalt-highlighted bird, lacking the incised ovals. Cobalt highlights to handle terminals. This jar is distinguished as the only Manhattan jar that we have offered featuring an early vertical-handled form. Typically, this prized form is found with brushed or slip-trailed "watch spring" motifs or occasionally incised flowers. Early examples of marked stoneware by Thomas W. Commeraw also can be found with this form. This jar's outstanding figural decoration features "hollow" or "openwork" incised details often associated with better examples of stoneware from this desirable period of manufacture. Significant base chipping. A crack across underside, continuing 6" up one side and 5 1/4" up the reverse. A 5 1/2" vertical line on reverse. Heavy chipping to rim. Some staining to surface. H 9 1/4".
