Outstanding Large-Sized Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, attributed to Abner Dunkin van Allen, Muskingum County, OH, fourth quarter 19th century, ovoid form with applied tubular spout on reverse, the front decorated with hand-modeled applied facial features including elliptical eyes with incised lashes, nose with carved nostrils, open mouth with protruding tongue, and rounded chin. The figure's ears are in the form of wheel-thrown and applied knobs, made to hold a wire or rope handle. Diagonal depressions near the base of the jug simulate the structure of a human face. Elaborate applied clay "coleslaw" form the hair on the figure's head, the sideburns, eyebrows, and mustache. A wheel-thrown and applied hat sits atop the figure's head, surrounded by a rounded, applied hat band. Surface covered in an Albany slip glaze. The grayish-clay hat band was applied before the firing, but after the Albany slip glaze was applied, and appears to be lightly salt glazed. This wonderful face vessel, related to the greater Ohio or Dollings style in its Albany slip glazed surface, harvest jug form, and prolific application of extruded clay, features exceptional modeling elevated by its protruding tongue and applied hat. Provenance: Originally found by Craig Connelly in the 1970's from a home at Highgate, seven miles north of Newark, Ohio, where it was being used as a doorstop; Ex-Collection David Good; New England Auctions, The Americana Collection of David Good Part I, January 8, 2022, lot 80. Significant professional restoration to brim of hat. Some additional unrestored chips to brim of hat. Additional significant restoration to roughly two-thirds of hat band. A chip to tongue and chin. Minor chipping to mouth. A flake to underside of one "ear." Some additional expected wear to "ears." A chip and minor nick to spout. A chip to proper left eyelid. H 10".
