Exceptional Five-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Elaborate Deer Scene, Stamped "JOHN BURGER / ROCHESTER," NY State origin, circa 1860, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-squared rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a painterly, slip-trailed design of a stag with raised, turned head and heavy spotted body, standing in a grassy field with trees to the left and right. Slip-trailed, scrolled "5." at shoulder. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark. Distinguished by its prolific tree decoration, this lot is the most extravagant deer-decorated vessel from Rochester that we have ever offered. The forking of the fanned tree and addition of a second, smaller tree to the deer's rear are most unusual. The deciduous tree to the opposing side of the deer is another interesting touch, taking the place of the usual pine tree commonly seen on such pieces. Of additional note is the atypical attitude of the stag's head, turned and facing upward, as if the animal's attention is drawn to the maker's mark above. The entire design, measuring 10" tall by roughly 15" around the curve of the crock, fills the vessel's front, leaving little room for negative space. Brimming with cobalt, featuring brilliant color, and decorated with a high level of refinement, this lot typifies why the Rochester school is regarded today as the leading producer of 19th century Northeastern stoneware. A 10 1/2" Y-shaped crack from rim on reverse. Exfoliation to reverse. Light exfoliation to proper left edge of crock's front near base and minor exfoliation to crock's proper left side. Minor base chipping. Minor wear to proper left handle. Some water glass staining to reverse/interior. A few small in-the-firing iron pings to interior base area. H 12 5/8".
