Exceedingly Rare and Important Oversized Open-Handled Stoneware Jar with and Cobalt Tulip Decoration, Parr Family, Baltimore, MD, circa 1830-1840, incredibly large, ovoid stoneware jar with squared rim and vertical, open handles, brush-decorated on both sides with three large tulip plants in the Parr/Baltimore style. While the specific size of the jar is unknown, it is considerably larger than twenty gallon vessels, measuring somewhere between thirty and forty-five gallons. One of the largest 19th century American cobalt-decorated stoneware pieces known, this work reveals a seam line around the center of the jar, indicating it was thrown in two sections and joined. The overall style of the jar, including its squared rim and color, indicate it was likely produced slightly later than the tenure of David Parr (1786-1832) at his pottery on Baltimore's Eden and Dulaney Streets. The jar may be attributed to this shop while under the ownership and operation of his wife, Margaret Parr, in the years following his death. The size, presence, and robust potting of this vessel, reminiscent of the iconic David Drake jars of Edgefield, place it among the most significant examples of Mid-Atlantic or Southern cobalt-decorated stoneware to come to auction in recent years. Provenance: Found decades ago buried on the property of a greenhouse in Philadelphia; Crocker Farm, Inc., October 30, 2004, lot 94. Both handles professionally restored. Otherwise excellent condition with a 6" forked-shaped line from rim and a few minor chips to interior of rim. H 28 3/4".
Special Note: Due to this object's large size, we are unable to ship it using our normal in-house shipping service. It must either be picked up by the high bidder, or special arrangements must be made by the high bidder for pick up and / or shipping by a third party. If you have any questions, please contact us; we are certainly able to recommend options for third party shippers ahead of time that you can contact for a quote.
