Very Rare and Fine Stoneware Jar with Impressed and Freehand-Cobalt Bird-in-Tree Decoration, Stamped "BOSTON," Jonathan Fenton, Boston, MA, late 18th century, stylishly potted, ovoid jar with footed base, tall narrow collar, and two open loop handles, the rim and shoulder embellished with incised banding; decorated on the front and reverse with an impressed and cobalt-highlighted design of a heavily feathered bird with turned head, carrying a cluster of grapes in its beak, perched atop a brushed-cobalt design of a stylized tree with ground below. Three wavy cobalt stripes below one handle. Cobalt highlights to "BOSTON" stamp and handle terminals. Among the more outstanding Fenton pieces that we have ever offered, this work combines its exceptionally rare bird-and-grapes motif with even more unusual freehand decoration completing the design. Provenance: The Estate of Robert A. Ellison, Jr., acquired by Ellison in 1969. A 4 1/4" hairline from rim on front. Rim chips. Traces of old salmon-colored paint to top of rim and interior. A few small base chips, one of which is glazed over. In-the-firing fissures to handle terminals. A few typical in-the-firing contact marks to surface. H 12 3/4".
