Extremely Rare Salt-Glazed Stoneware Pig Flask, Inscribed "J B R," John B. Roberts, Cookeville, Tennessee

Fall 2026 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 62

Estimate: $2,000-$4,000. About Estimates   About Shipping

Minimum Bid: $500.

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Fall 2026 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Salt-Glazed Stoneware Pig Flask, Inscribed "J B R," John B. Roberts, Cookeville, TN, late 19th century, wheel-thrown form in the shape of a reclining pig with spout at rear, featuring hand-modeled and applied eyes, ears, snout, legs, and tail. Incised details to snout, mouth, and eyes, the legs with whittled edges. Two depressed finger marks on each side of the pig allow the flask to be gripped for pouring. Underside incised with the initials, "J.B.R.," for John B. Roberts (b. 1863), the son of Cookeville, Tennessee pottery owner, John Roberts. The senior Roberts is known for his iconic face jugs, and this flask shares a similar aesthetic. Surface covered in a salt glaze over a reddish clay body with greenish ash deposits to top surface. Tennessee-made pig flasks are exceptionally rare, the majority of which were produced by the Decker family in Washington County. This example is the first from this state that we have ever offered. A chip to pig's snout, one ear, tail, and pouring spout. Otherwise excellent condition. L 9 1/2".



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