Spring 2021 Auction Featured Photos
Boston Stoneware Jar for "Mrs. Elesebeth Tarbell 1806"
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American Folk Art Icon. Important Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Incised Design of a Man Looking Between His Legs, attributed to William Capron, Albany, NY, circa 1800-1805. The unique and whimsical decoration on this jug depicts a standing man with outstretched arms, peering backward between his legs. Including incised eyes humorously added to the rear end of the figure, this imaginative design possibly serves as a visual pun for the word "hindsight." Once owned by the great American folk art collector, Barry Cohen, this work features one of the most famous incised images known in American stoneware. Provenance: Originally found in the Catskill Mountains of NY; Ex-Barry Cohen Collection, New York, NY; Ex-David Schorsch and America Hurrah Antiques; Ex-Allan Katz Americana. Exhibited: The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center, Williamsburg, VA, 1975; "American Fancy: Exuberance in the Arts 1790-1840," April 3 2004-March 20, 2005. Illustrated: America Hurrah and David Schorsch, "The Barry Cohen Collection," 1990; Michelle Osborn, USA Today, "Utilitarian folk art: American stoneware jumps in value among collectors," June 25, 1990; Sumpter Priddy, American Fancy: Exuberance in the Arts 1790-1840, p. 183, fig. 325. H 17".
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Incised Masterwork. Exceedingly Rare and Important Stoneware Jug with Profuse Incised Figural Decoration, Northeastern U.S. origin, circa 1850. Among the most exuberantly-decorated pieces of American stoneware that we have offered, this vessel also sports an outlandish form presumably for use on a carriage or ship, its low, wide shape reducing the possibility of it tipping over. The coverage of the design over the body of the piece and variety of motifs depicted are noteworthy. The image of the deer, with its dominating size, crosshatched body, and unusual stance, ranks among the most sensational folk art representations of the animal that we have seen on a piece of American stoneware. Provenance: Allan Katz Americana, Woodbridge, CT. H 9" ; Diam. 9 3/4".
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Washington Monument. Important Fifty-Gallon Salt-Glazed Stoneware Beverage Cooler with Cobalt Decoration of George Washington, Signed "A.F.G.," probably Ohio origin, circa 1876-1889. Among the largest examples of cobalt-decorated stoneware in existence, this cooler features a painterly freehand portrait of George Washington in cobalt slip, initialed by the artist. Undoubtedly designed for a large place of business or public gathering, this cooler may have commemorated the American Centennial in 1876, George Washington's 150th Birthday in 1887, or the Centennial of Washington's Presidential Inauguration in 1889. Probably the largest example of American political-themed pottery known, this object dwarfs stoneware pieces that are otherwise considered oversized, with the bust of Washington alone measuring an astounding 16 1/2" tall. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market work, purchased by the consignors in 1978 from a home in Missouri. The previous owner had acquired the cooler in 1928 from his uncle, a man who came to Missouri from Virginia. H 40 3/4".
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Burger Masterwork. Exceedingly Rare and Important Three-Gallon Stoneware Cooler with Elaborate Slip-Trailed Lion Decoration, attributed to the Burger Pottery, Rochester, NY, circa 1875. This phenomenal work, melding the most desirable stoneware form with the most iconic stoneware animal decoration, is the only Rochester lion-decorated cooler known. It was possibly made as a presentation piece for someone close to, or within, the Burger family, as a lack of signature is unusual on stoneware from this city. Equally rare and decorative, this cooler also features an over-the-top form previously undocumented in Rochester stoneware coolers. Likely made during John Burger, Jr. and George Burger's ownership of the family concern, this cooler includes distinctive looping line decoration around the bunghole, closely-related to that seen on their father's work. Provenance: Ex-Allan Katz Americana, Woodbridge, CT. H 16".
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Outstanding Six-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Cobalt Star Face Decoration, Stamped "T. HARRINGTON / LYONS," NY State origin, circa 1860. H 19 5/8".
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American Ingenuity Set in Stone. Outstanding Six-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Inscription, "American StoneWare," Ohio origin, circa 1876. This boldly-decorated work touts America's independence as a producer of stoneware and was likely made for display at a fair or exhibition, probably during the Centennial. In its day, it served as a reminder of how far the nation had come as a domestic manufacturer of quality household wares. H 13 1/2".
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African-American Ceramic Art. Rare and Important Nine-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Inscribed "Aug 5. 1851 / Dave / Lm," Dave at Lewis Miles' Stony Bluff Manufactory, Horse Creek Valley, Edgefield District, SC, 1851. This example features an imposing size, unusual tall-collared form, and appealing green glaze. Dave's signature and the jar's date of manufacture are incised on the front, while the initials of his owner, Lewis Miles, and Dave's distinctive horseshoe marking appear on the reverse. This work was made somewhat earlier than Dave's most prolific period of signing his wares, which spanned from 1857 to 1858. As of the writing of Goldberg and Witkowski's authoritative Ceramics in America 2006 article, "Beneath His Magic Touch: The Dated Vessels of the African-American Slave Potter Dave," this jar was the only signed example of Dave stoneware bearing an 1851 date. Among the most important examples of Southern-made stoneware to come to auction in recent years. H 19".
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Stoneware Jar by the Enslaved Potter, Harry, Pottersville Stoneware Manufactory, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1839-1843
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Fine Three-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Incised "Lm," Dave at Lewis Miles Stoney Bluff Manufactory, Horse Creek Valley, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1857. This work features one of the most striking glaze treatments on any Dave jar that we have offered, closely-related to that seen on a signed jar with 1857 date, bearing the incised couplet, "I made this jar for cash, though it is called lucre trash." H 13 1/2".
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Slipware Masterwork. Exceedingly Rare and Important Redware Loaf Dish with Copper Slip Inscription, “John Adams,” Norwalk, CT origin, circa 1797–1826. This object was made to commemorate founding father and second President of the United States, John Adams, possibly as early as his inauguration as president in 1797 or as late as his death in 1826. Stylistically, this dish is different than the majority of Norwalk inscribed slipware known, which may have been produced decades later. The use of copper slip, extremely rare full Presidential name, and remarkable condition of this work rank it among the greatest pieces of name-decorated slipware in existence. L 14 3/4”.
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Presidential Plate. Extremely Rare Redware Charger with Profuse Yellow Slip Decoration, Inscribed "Jackson," Norwalk, CT origin, circa 1829-1845. Diam. 14".
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Bold Bird. Exceptional Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Large Incised Bird Decoration and Cobalt 1827 Date, Stamped “N. CLARK & CO. / LYONS,” New York State origin, 1827. This jar’s incised bird motif is noteworthy in its size and dramatic use of dark splotches of cobalt to fill the figure’s body. The image of the bird, wonderfully-drawn with a swelled body and preening attitude, includes a ringed neck formed from an incised ellipse and two impressed circles. H 11”.
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Sea-Faring Vessel. Exceptional Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Incised Sailing Ship Decoration, Inscribed "AGP," probably William Capron, Albany, NY origin, circa 1800-1805. Displaying distinctive Capron handle construction and form, this jar features one of the most elaborate incised ship designs that we have seen. The multi-leveled ship includes numerous windows throughout the hull and stern, a dingy attached by rope at its base, a rope ladder hanging overboard, impressed anchor chains descending into the water, and a raised anchor above. Of particular note are the flags on the ship, indicating it is a British vessel. A Union Jack flies at the bow and smaller flags appear at the end of the bowsprit, while a variant of the Union Jack, known as a Red Ensign, flies at the stern. The Red Ensign or "Red Duster" flag has been used by merchant and passenger ships in Great Britain since 1707. The idea that the vessel depicted is a civilian, rather than a war, ship is corroborated by the fact that no gun ports are depicted. All of the rectangular openings on the ship are incised with panes of glass. As Albany is located on the Hudson River, a major trade route since the 17th century, such a sight would have been commonly seen at the city's port. The brushed-cobalt initials, "AGP," likely refer to the jar's owner, but also possibly its maker. The reverse is decorated with an incised foliate design, tipped with the same impressed circular stamp that highlights the ship. A wonderfully-decorated work of historic significance, revelatory of the relationship between England and America in the few decades after its founding. H 11 3/4".
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Iconic Design. Outstanding Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Incised Federal Eagle Decoration, Stamped "STEDMAN & SEYMOUR / NEW-HAVEN," CT origin, circa 1830. A wonderful rendering of this quintessential American symbol, featuring a folky style to the depiction. The image's heart-shaped shield and anatomical inaccuracies, evident in the oversized eye, wide beak, and ringed neck, add to its appeal. A New Haven jug with Federal eagle decoration, signed by Absalom Stedman of this same partnership, ranks among the greatest incised works in all of American stoneware. Provenance: Sotheby's, To Arms!: Uniforms, Painted Napsacks, Canteens, Cap Plates, and Other Related Militia Accoutrements from the Private Collection of William H. Guthman, January 19, 2003, lot 221. H 16".
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Southern Slip. Very Rare Glazed Redware Dish with Elaborate Multi-Colored Slip Decoration, attributed to Solomon Loy, Alamance County, NC, circa 1825-1840. Brilliantly-spattered with green, brown, and orange slips over a cream-slip ground, this dish exudes a modern aesthetic far ahead of its time. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, acquired by the consignor in the early 1980s in Alamance County. Diam. 11 1/4".
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Southern Rarity. Exceptional Small-Sized Great Road Redware Jug with Manganese Slash Decoration, Eastern TN origin, mid 19th century. Featuring an unusually small size and surviving in immaculate condition, this jug is among the most outstanding examples of Great Road pottery to come to auction in recent years. H 6".
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Historic Figural Decoration. Exceedingly Rare and Important Two-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Decoration of an African-American Man's Bust, Stamped "HAXSTUN, OTTMAN & CO. / FORT EDWARD N.Y.," circa 1867-1872. Very few decorations depicting people of African descent are known in 19th century American stoneware production, the majority having been produced in Edgefield, SC circa 1840-1850. This crock is the only example with such a design that we have seen produced in New York State. A striking image, created through its bold massing of cobalt and use of negative space for the eye, creating a piercing, head-on stare to the figure. Sgraffito carving forms the figure's ear, teeth, and hair. The maker's mark on this crock was used by the partnership of Andrew Haxstun and William and Gilbert Ottman circa 1867-1872. The Reconstruction Era date and Northern origin of the crock suggest it may reference the newly-acquired freedom of Southern African-Americans. As the crock's design depicts an unclothed African-American bust profile, the image may have been taken from the seal of the Society for the Purpose of Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade, founded in England in 1787. The society's iconic seal depicted a supplicant and sparsely-clothed slave with chained hands, along with the words "AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER." This image was used during the late 18th century on a variety of English china pieces by Josiah Wedgewood and for decades to follow on printed anti-slavery material from both England and America. Provenance: Ex-John Gordon Gallery; Ex-Harvey and Isobel Kahn Collection. H 9 5/8".
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Rare Five-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Deer and House Scene, Stamped "J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON VT," circa 1855. H 12 3/4" ; Diam. (across top) 13".
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Outstanding Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt American Flag Decoration, Stamped "J. SHEPARD, JR. / GEDDES. N.Y., circa 1858-1859. This jar features one of the largest and most accurate depictions of an American flag that we have seen in New York State stoneware. It includes the correct number of stars for the period, thirty-two, which dates this work sometime between Minnesota's statehood on May 11, 1858 and Oregon's statehood on February 14, 1859. Keeping with the Geddes style, this jar features the use of both a slip cup and a brush in its decoration. Provenance: Ex-Allan Katz Americana, Woodbridge, CT. H 11 1/4" ; Diam. (across top) 11 3/4".
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Outstanding Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Incised and Impressed Potted Urn Decoration, Stamped “N. CLARK & CO. / LYONS,” New York State origin, circa 1840. H 11”.
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Decoration and Maker. Extremely Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Leaping Rabbit Decoration, Stamped "LYONS," Thompson Harrington, Lyons, NY, circa 1860. Outside of the stylized leaping rabbit motifs of Julius Norton, relatively few American stoneware designs depicting this popular animal are known. This jar features perhaps the finest rendering of a rabbit on any piece that we have offered, drawing some inspiration from Harrington's earlier tenure in Rochester. Provenance: Sotheby's, Important Americana, January 19, 2003, Lot 682. H 8 7/8".
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Exceptional Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Rooster Scene, Stamped "WHITES UTICA", NY State origin, circa 1860. H 10" ; Diam. (across top) 10".
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Littell Jar, Big Decoration. Exceptional Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Profuse Freehand Cobalt Decoration, Stenciled "J. LITTELL / Greensboro, PA," circa 1865. H 12 1/2".
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Rare One-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jar, Stenciled "FROM / J.M. CLEEK / SACRAMENTO, KY," attributed to James Miller, Brandenburg, KY, circa 1860. H 8 3/8".
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Rare and Fine Small-Sized Stoneware Harvest Jug with Cobalt Decoration, Ohio origin, circa 1885. H 7 3/4".
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Rare Triple-Glazed Stoneware Harvest Jug with Twisted Root Handle, Incised "Wm. Bingaman," attributed to A.H. Rhodenbaugh, Middlebury, Ohio, circa 1855-1870. H 11 1/2".
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Folk Art Figural. Extremely Rare Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Canning Jar with Cobalt Cat Decoration, Inscribed "This is a Cat," Ohio origin, circa 1875. Cats are among the rarest animal motifs found on American stoneware. The vast majority of the handful of cat-decorated pieces known were produced by William Macquoid in Manhattan, New York, circa 1870, The jar's inclusion of the expository line, "This is a Cat," adds to the rarity and charm of the piece, imbuing the object with a certain sense of humor. The small-sized, canning jar form of the vessel enhances its appeal. H 6 3/4".
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Gorgeous Glaze. Exceptional Slip-Decorated Redware Jar, Peter or John Bell, Hagerstown, MD, circa 1820. This work's very early glaze treatment indicates it was made by Peter Bell while working in Hagerstown, MD, or possibly by his son, John, during his formative years as a potter in the same city. John Bell would continue to produce this stylish form with more standardized glazes after the establishment of his Waynesboro, Pennsylvania shop, during a period in which the debossed stamps, "I. BELL" and "J. BELL," were used. Pottery attributed to Peter Bell is considered rare and highly-prized, with relatively few examples surviving in comparison to his sons' work. As father of the Shenandoah Valley style and patriarch of the illustrious Bell family of potters, he is regarded as one of the most important ceramicists in American history. This jar, combining factors such as a maker, decorative quality, age, and condition, is a noteworthy example of Southern or early Shenandoah Valley redware. H 8 3/4".
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Document in Clay. Exceedingly Rare and Important Redware Jar with Manganese Floral Decoration and Elaborate Incised Signature, Dated Twice "1875," Stamped "JOHN BELL / WAYNESBORO'," PA origin, 1875. Underside incised with an elaborate inscription by the jar's decorator and son of John B. Bell, Victor Conrad Bell (1845-1925), which reads, "this crock was made / by Daniel Caughman / Berlington Vermont / Sept the 14 1875 / Victor C. Bell." As noted by John Kille in his Ceramics in America 2005 article, "Bell Family Presentation Jar," and discussed in Rice and Stoudt's The Shenandoah Pottery, Victor Conrad Bell severed an artery in his wrist as a child, making it difficult for him to throw pottery. As a result, he served as a decorator at the family shop. This jar is related to at least four other cobalt-decorated stoneware jars with similar decorations, 1874 dates, and initials or inscriptions for Bell family members, all of which were likely decorated by Victor Conrad Bell. Two of these jars bear inscriptions by Victor's uncle, Solomon Bell, identifying the latter as the potter. In the case of this redware jar, the piece has been thoughtfully inscribed by Victor Bell to honor another potter, an itinerant craftsman from Burlington, Vermont named Daniel Caughman, who threw the jar. Another example of collaborative work at John Bell's Waynesboro shop, this vessel immortalizes an otherwise-unknown artisan and gives insight into the use of itinerant labor even at small family concerns. Both highly decorative and extremely rare, this object was probably made as a scarcely-used presentation piece, as it survives in pristine condition. H 11 3/4".
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Outstanding Two-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "JOHN BELL / WAYNESBORO'," PA origin, circa 1850-1880. H 13 1/2".
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Scarce Glazed Redware Jug Bank, Stamped "JOHN BELL," Waynesboro, PA origin, circa 1840-1880. H 4 1/2".
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Scarce Six-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar with Kaolin Slip Decoration, Stamped "TRAPP & / CHANDLER," John Trapp and Thomas Chandler, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1848-1850. H 15 1/2".
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Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware South Carolina Dispensary Jug, Stamped "S.C. DISPENSARY," attributed to J.G. Baynham, Trenton, Edgefield District, SC, late 19th century. H 9 1/2".
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Rare Five-Gallon Double-Handled Stoneware Jug with Alkaline Glaze, Impressed "M," attributed to Robert Mathis, Pottersville, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1835. H 18".
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Decoration, Form, and Maker. Outstanding Five-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Double-Handled Stoneware Jug with Profuse Kaolin Slip Decoration, Inscribed "C. Rhodes / Maker," Collin Rhodes Pottery, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1850. Featuring an exceptional double-handled form and lavish two-sided slip decoration, this jug is among the finest examples of Collin Rhodes stoneware that we have offered. H 15 1/2".
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Very Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Pitcher with Two-Color Slip Decoration, attributed to Thomas Chandler, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1845-1850. Few examples of this form with two-color slip treatment are known. H 11".
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Very Rare Four-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Stamped "N RAMEY & CO.," Pottersville, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1839. The rarely-seen maker's mark on this jar used at the Pottersville Pottery during the involvement of merchant, Nathaniel Ramey. Literature: Illustrated in Baldwin, Great and Noble Jar, p. 38, plate 2. H 16".
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New England Figural-Decorated Redware. Extremely Rare and Important Glazed Redware Rundlet with Yellow-Slip Bird Decoration, Bristol County, MA origin, late 18th or early 19th century. Featuring distinctive Bristol County glaze and color, this rundlet is made exceptional by the addition of a slip-trailed bird on each end. The use of slip-trailed decoration within this highly-prized potting school is essentially unknown. Bird motifs, while commonly seen in the work of Pennsylvania redware potters, are highly unusual in the New England redware tradition. Provenance: Recently-discovered in New England. H 6" ; Diam. (at midsection) 4 1/4".
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Fine Large-Sized Redware Loaf Dish with Elaborate Slip Decoration, Philadelphia, PA origin, early 19th century. Exceptional size with unusually deep form, surviving in rarely-found immaculate condition. Among the finest Philadelphia loaf dishes that we have offered. Provenance: Sotheby's. L 20 3/4" ; W 14 1/2".
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Morgan Masterwork. Exceedingly Rare and Important Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Impressed Decoration, Stamped "D. MORGAN / N. YORK," David Morgan, Corlears Hook, Manhattan, NY, circa 1800. One of a few examples of David Morgan stoneware known bearing this style of maker's stamp or featuring this specific drape-and-tassel motif, closely-related to that of his Corlears Hook contemporary, Thomas Commeraw. As with Commeraw's earliest and best work, this jar features particularly fine clay and bold cobalt slip. Among Morgan's greatest known works. H 12".
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Fine One-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Impressed Decoration, Stamped “COMMERAWS / STONEWARE / CORLEARS / HOOK,” made by the free African-American potter, Thomas Commeraw, Manhattan, NY, circa 1805. H 11”.
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Open-Handled Stoneware Jar with Impressed Fish Decoration, Jonathan Fenton, Boston, MA, late 18th century. H 14".
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Fine Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Incised Bird and Floral Decoration, attributed to William Capron, Albany, NY, circa 1800. Provenance: New York Historical Society, New York, New York; Ex-Collection of Elie and Viola Nadelman. H 14 3/8".
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Fine Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Incised Bird-on-Branch Motif, Stamped "I. SEYMOUR / TROY FACTORY," NY State origin, circa 1830. H 16 1/4".
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Fine One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "PAUL : CUSHMANS," Albany, NY, circa 1810. Exhibited: "Paul Cushman: The Work and World of an Early 19th Century Albany Potter," Albany Institute of Art, Jan. 20 - May 27, 2007. Literature: Illustrated in exhibit catalog of the above, p. 121, fig. 46. H 10 1/4".
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In the Hartford Style. Rare Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Incised Bird-on-Branch Decoration, attributed to Chester Webster, Randolph County, NC, circa 1875. A classic example of the Webster family's Hartford school incising on a distinctively-Southern form. H 15 1/4".
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Rare Stoneware Canning Jar with Dramatic Inscribed Script Signature, "Jesse Vestal / 1880," Washington County, VA origin, 1880. H 8 1/2".
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MOTHER. Extremely Rare Lidded Stoneware Presentation Jar with Applied Decoration and Lettering, Inscribed "MOTHER," Middle Tennessee origin, fourth quarter 19th century. While other initialed works are known from this region, this jar is the first example that we have offered with an entire word spelled in applied clay, as well as this first of this form that we have seen, possibly a sugar jar. H (including lid) 6 1/2".
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Rare Painted Redware Lamb Doorstop, attributed to J. Eberly & Co., Strasburg, VA, circa 1895. Length 11 1/2".
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Earliest Southern Stoneware Maker's Mark. Exceedingly Rare and Important Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Iron-Oxide and Cobalt Slip Decoration, Stamped "BALTIMORE / UNION STONE WARE / MANUFACTORY," Michael Grub and John Kilmer, Baltimore, MD, circa 1808-1810. One of five or so pieces bearing this stamp known. Provenance: Recently surfaced in the Midwestern U.S. H 13 3/4".
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Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jar, Stamped "H.R. MARSHALL.," Hugh Robbins Marshall, Baltimore, MD origin, circa 1822. Provenance: Recently surfaced in CA. H 13".
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Very Rare Baltimore Stoneware Jar, Stamped "EARNEST & COWLES," made at the merchant-owned pottery of George Earnest & Wesley Cowles, circa 1830. A significant recent discovery in early Baltimore stoneware, exhibiting appealing form, strong color, and exceptional small size.
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Maker, Form, and Size. Exceedingly Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "T.H. WILLSON & CO / HARRISBURG. PA," circa 1852-1855. As Thomas and Daniel Wilson were the first stoneware producers in Harrisburg, this work is also one of the earliest pitchers from this prolific potting city known. Featuring a shapely form and strong decoration, this work combines both aesthetic appeal and extreme rarity. Easily among the most elusive early-period Harrisburg stoneware pieces that we have offered. H 13 1/2".
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Exceptional Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "SAM'L I. IRVINE / NEWVILLE, PA.," circa 1865. H 14".
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Exceedingly Rare and Important Quart-Sized Stoneware Jar with Incised Bird and Foliate Motifs, attributed to the Crolius Family, Manhattan, NY, circa 1800. The style and quality of the incised foliate design on the jar's reverse connects this jar to the Crolius family of potters, with Clarkson Crolius, Sr. being a possible maker. This work is among the smallest jars that we have seen displaying Manhattan's classic, open-handled form. Its exceptional size and outstanding incised decoration to the front, reverse, and underside, suggest it was made as a presentation piece. Surviving in remarkable condition, it is among the finest examples of Manhattan stoneware to be offered anywhere in recent years and a significant new discovery from the epicenter of early American stoneware production. Provenance: A recently-surfaced piece, acquired by the consignor's husband at an auction in the Hudson Valley of New York during the 1960s. H 6".
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Southern Figural Masterwork. Exceptional Large-Sized Stoneware Face Jug, AL origin, late 19th or early 20th century. This phenomenal recent discovery features a finely-sculpted jacket and broken china plate sherds forming the eyes, teeth, and shirt buttons. The surface is coated in a striking, salt-over-Albany-slip glaze in varying shades of brown and yellow-green, the greener areas indicating contact with salt vapors during the firing. Glaze application to the china eyes forms the appearance of pupils. Among the most outstanding examples of Alabama stoneware to come to auction in years, this work combines several attributes that define it as an elite face vessel- prodigious size, gorgeous glaze, prolific use of applied china pieces, and extensive hand-modeling. While condition is frequently an issue with face vessels, this example survives in near-flawless condition and appears essentially unused. A future icon of American figural stoneware. Provenance: Recently surfaced in the Northwestern United States. H 12 1/2" ; Diam. 7".
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Fantastic Form. Exceedingly Rare Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Puzzle Mug, attributed to Richard C. Remmey, Philadelphia, PA, circa 1875. This outstanding work is one of only two American salt-glazed stoneware puzzle mugs that we are aware of. Potted in the English style, this mug includes an opening in the wall of the interior that connects to a hollowed handle. The applied spouts on the handle are not simply decorative, but actually connect to the channel inside of the handle. Using the mug without spilling requires the drinker to cover most or all of the handle's spouts while tipping the mug backwards. One of the handle spouts, or the neck spouts if the drinker's hand covers the handle completely, solves the puzzle of drinking from it without spilling. The exotic form, openwork collar, and profuse application of spouts, creates a work that is as sculptural as it is rare. Among the finest examples of Remmey family stoneware that we have offered in recent years, this delicate work has amazingly survived in immaculate condition. H 6 7/8".
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Southern Pig Flask. Very Rare Anna Pottery Salt-Glazed Stoneware Pig Flask with Elberton, GA Advertising, Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, 1883. One of a small number of surviving Anna Pottery pig flasks made for the Georgia market, this example features exceptional color and classic, high-styled Kirkpatrick penmanship. Among the finest Anna salt-glazed pig flasks that we have offered, its Southern advertising adding import and regional interest to a beautifully-glazed work. L 6 1/2".
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Exceptional Anna Pottery Salt-Glazed Stoneware Pig Flask, Signed "By / Anna Pottery / 1888," Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, 1888. This example features outstanding color as well as particularly large script. The pig's incised eyes include highly unusual pupils formed from raised cobalt slip. Among the finest Anna Pottery salt-glazed pig flasks that we have ever offered. L 7 5/8".
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Fine Anna Pottery Stoneware "Railroad and River Guide" Pig Flask, Signed "By Anna Pottery / 1876," Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, 1876. L 7".
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Southern-Made Pig Flask. Very Rare Stoneware Pig Flask with Incised Inscription, attributed to Henry Thomas, Louisville, KY, circa 1875. L 8 1/2".
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Early Profile. Extremely Rare and Important One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Incised Gentleman's Profile, Old Bridge, NJ, circa 1820. The form, including rim and handle construction, leads to a firm attribution to Old Bridge, New Jersey, likely at the Morgan and van Wickle or Bissett potteries. The incising on this jar was probably executed by the same hand that decorated a variety of Old Bridge pieces with veined leaves, often with an elongated flower at the center, and brushed early 1820's dates on the reverse. The propensity for such incised pieces to bear the date, 1823, led early scholars, Robert Sim & James Brown, to refer to the decorator, theorized to be Joseph Henry Remmey, as the "1823 Man." The detail of the design, including the figure's queued hair, suggest it may be a portrait of a specific person, possibly the potter and/or decorator or a member of his family. H 11 1/4".
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Cowden Figural. Extremely Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Clown Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA," circa 1865. Provenance: Purchased by the consignor at Roan Auction's Sale of the Eleanor C. Stipp Collection in the 1980s. Stipp reportedly had family connections to the Harrisburg stoneware industry. Red labels on the jar's reverse and underside indicate the piece's maker and Stipp provenance. H 9 1/2".
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African-American Ceramic Art. Rare and Important Salt-Glazed Stoneware Oyster Jar, Stamped "DANIEL / JOHNSON. AND. Co No 24 / LUMBER STREET / NEW. YORK.," attributed to Thomas Commeraw, Manhattan, NY, circa 1805. This jar was made at the Thomas Commeraw pottery for local African-American oysterman, Daniel Johnson. The use of the full city name, "NEW.YORK," as opposed to "N. YORK," is highly unusual in Commeraw's work, and we have only seen four or five vessels of his bearing this stamp (this consists one single other Johnson jar and two or three jugs).Commeraw's oyster jars are believed to be the earliest examples of American advertising stoneware, a genre that would proliferate throughout the United States over the course of the 19th century. Such pieces represent the only known examples of stoneware made at an African-American-owned pottery for African-American business owners. Provenance: Small traces of barnacles, easily removed if so desired, indicate this jar was one of a number of oyster jars recovered in Guyana associated with a Dutch fort. H 5 3/8".
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African-American Ceramic Art. Rare and Important Salt-Glazed Stoneware Oyster Jar, Stamped "G.W. AND. Co No 202 / WARTERSTREET / N.YORK," attributed to Thomas Commeraw, Manhattan, NY, late 18th or early 19th century. This jar was made at the Thomas Commeraw pottery for local African-American oysterman, George White. Commeraw's oyster jars are believed to be the earliest examples of American advertising stoneware, a genre that would proliferate throughout the United States over the course of the 19th century. Such pieces represent the only known examples of stoneware made at an African-American-owned pottery for African-American business owners. H 5 1/8".
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Early-Period Commeraw. Exceedingly Rare Half-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Pitcher with Incised Floral Decoration, Stamped "N. YORK / COERLEARS / HOOK", Thomas Commeraw, Manhattan, NY, late 18th century. This pitcher is the only example of the form that we have seen from Commeraw's earliest period of production as a pottery owner, in which the mark, "COERLEARS HOOK / N. YORK," was used. H 8 1/2".
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Six-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, attributed to Harry at Pottersville, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1825-1845. The form, rim and handle construction, glaze, and use of incised punctates and an impressed horseshoe, all closely link this jar to the four-gallon jar signed by Harry offered in this auction. Most distinctive about the two jars are the thick, flattened handles, that sit close to the body of the vessel. H 16".
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Fine Six-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, attributed to Lewis Miles' Stoney Bluff Manufactory, Horse Creek Valley, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1840-1860. Featuring a dynamic glaze, this jar includes six small incised slashes and a horseshoe at the shoulder. H 16 1/2".
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Very Rare Small-Sized Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug with Incised Inscription, probably Edgefield, SC origin, possibly Dave, circa 1830-1855. The underside of this jug was incised prior to firing with the inscription, "26 m / 2 ch / love / D." This cryptic writing may refer to an order that was placed, as similar notations can be found on pieces produced elsewhere throughout the country. Another possibility is that some of the writing refers to a date, the "26 m" being an abbreviation for "26 March" or "26 May." The inscription is in many ways consistent with Dave's hand. The lower case "m" in the first line is strikingly similar to that see in his "Lm" inscriptions. The word "love" is similar to the penmanship on his signature, "Dave," as the "ove" is an adjoined group of letters in a script manner related to the "ave" in "Dave." The capital "D" at the base of the inscription is also somewhat consistent with the "D" in his signature, the initial possibly serving as an abbreviation of "Dave." Regardless of maker, the prolific use of enslaved African-American labor in the Edgefield potting community leads to a strong possibility of this vessel being slave-made and inscribed by its maker. Provenance: A recently-surfaced work, originally found in Union, SC about fifteen years ago. H 7 1/2".
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Outstanding Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Elaborate Incised Figural Decorations, OH origin, circa 1840. Impressed with letter U and F throughout, this jug features a wonderful incised design of a woman wearing a detailed dress. Additionally incised at the shoulder are a tree, a man's face, and a horse. H 16 1/4".
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Exceptional Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Large Cobalt Chicken Pecking Corn Decoration, Ohio origin, circa 1870. H 13 1/2".
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Scarce Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Bird-with-Worm Decoration, Stamped 'COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA," circa 1865. H 12 3/4".
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Size, Form, and Decoration. Monumental Five-Gallon Stoneware Jug Cooler with Large Cobalt Grapes Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG," PA origin, circa 1870. This work is the only jug-form cooler produced at the Cowden & Wilcox pottery that we have seen. The unusual form and grapes decoration suggest it was made to be used as a wine cooler, with a cork closure for the spout reduced oxidization of the wine. It is also the largest jug-shaped vessel from this pottery that we have seen, measuring five gallons or slightly more. An outstanding and possibly unique work by Central Pennsylvania's most famous pottery. H 19".
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Selection of Harrisburg, PA Stoneware, third quarter 19th century.
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Exceptional Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Bird-on-Stump Decoration, Stamped "FORT EDWARD POTTERY CO.," George Satterlee, Fort Edward, NY, circa 1859.
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Exceptional Five-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Elaborate Cobalt Bird Decoration, Stamped "N. CLARK JR. / ATHENS, NY," circa 1860. H 18".
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Earliest North Carolina Stoneware Maker's Mark. Exceedingly Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jug, Stamped "Gurdon Robins / & Co. / Fayetteville / III," Edward Webster and Timothy Savage, Fayetteville, NC, circa 1819-1820. According to Quincy J. Scarborough, Jr.'s North Carolina Decorated Stoneware, pieces bearing a Gurdon Robins mark were made by the Hartford, Connecticut-trained potter, Edward Webster, born 1801, who moved to Fayetteville, NC in 1819 to produce stoneware for Robins, a local merchant and pottery owner (Scarborough, pp. 12, 19). Webster was most likely trained by his uncle, McCloud Webster, and cousin, Horace Goodwin, of the prolific firm, "GOODWIN & WEBSTER", which operated at 18 Front Street in Hartford from 1810 to 1840 (Scarborough, p. 19). Evident in the potting of this jug is its Hartford style, semi-ovoid with a heavily-tooled neck and girthy handle. Scarborough notes that the jug's stamp, which includes "& Co.," involved a partner named Timothy Savage, and is the earliest Webster family mark used in North Carolina, as well as the earliest maker's mark known in the state's entire stoneware industry. A closely-related jug, bearing a slightly later stamp, was sold as lot 5 in Crocker Farm's November 3, 2018 auction. Among the most important examples of North Carolina pottery to come to auction in years, this jug is emblematic of the very early beginnings of stoneware production in the state, a tradition continuing to this day. Literature: Illustrated on pp.8-9, figs. 2,3 of Scarborough, North Carolina Decorated Stoneware. pp. 8-9, figs. 2,3. H 16 3/4".
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Rare Southern Glazed Redware Pitcher, attributed to Nathan Dicks, Randolph County, NC, circa 1875-1910. This pitcher features form, color, incised line decoration, and distinctive handle terminal depression all characteristic of the work of Quaker potter, Nathan Dicks. Ancestral relatives of Dicks associated or intermarried with other major figures in the North Carolina Quaker potting community, including William Dennis, Henry Watkins, and members of the Beard family. Though active for decades, few examples from this influential potting family have survived. Literature: For a related pitcher, see Hal E. Pugh and Eleanor Minnock-Pugh, “The Quaker Ceramic Tradition in Piedmont North Carolina,” Ceramics in America 2010, fig. 27. H 8 7/8".
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Extremely Rare Salt-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Incised "H / G.W. BEDSAUL," George Washington Bedsaul, Piper's Gap, Carroll County, VA, circa 1880. H 9 1/8".
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Exceedingly Rare One-Gallon Salt-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Stamped "SERREN & DONALDSON," Augustus
H. Serren and Thomas Donaldson, Denton
County, Texas, origin, circa 1860. H 10 1/4". This is the first example we have seen bearing this maker's mark.
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Exceptional Two-Gallon Stoneware Chicken Waterer with Profuse Cobalt Decoration, attributed to Richard C. Remmey, Philadelphia, PA, circa 1880. H 15 3/4".
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Very Rare Glazed Redware Soap Dish, Stamped "JOHN BELL," Waynesboro, PA origin, circa 1840-1880. L 6 1/4".
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Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt Floral Decoration, attributed to George and Albert Black, Somerfield, PA, circa 1865. H 10 1/4".
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Meaders Masterwork. Exceedingly Rare and Important Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, attributed to Cheever Meaders, Cleveland, GA, second quarter 20th century. While face jugs were produced in great numbers by his sons, few examples by Cheever Meaders are known. Among the finest surviving works by the patriarch of the Meaders family of potters. Provenance: A recently-surfaced example, acquired by the consignor from an old homestead in Tangier, IN forty-five years ago. H 9 3/4".
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Rare Southern Stoneware Face Jug, GA or AL origin, late 19th or early 20th century. Surface covered in an Albany slip type glaze with grayish runs to the right side, indicating the glaze composition may include some alkaline elements. Apparent salt drips to the far edge of one eye also indicate the jug was fired in a kiln that had been used for producing salt-glazed stoneware. Appealing ash spotting accents the face and upper body of jug. Made well before the frequent production of this form in the American South, this work features a desirable, somewhat large, size and survives in exceptional condition. Possibly made by a member of the Brown family in Alabama. Provenance: A recently-surfaced example. H 9".
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Fine Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, attributed to Brown Pottery, Arden, NC, circa 1925. A finely-modeled example, slightly smaller than most known. H 5 3/4".
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Extremely Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Weeping Face Vase, Stamped "B.B. CRAIG / VALE, N.C.," circa 1975. H 11 3/4".
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Very Rare Pair of Glazed Redware Bear Figures, Incised "AM / 83," Arie Meaders, Cleveland, GA, 1983. H (of taller) 5 3/4".
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Poughkeepsie Political Piece. Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Political Jar with Cobalt Inscription, "Tippecanoe / 1840," Stamped "SELBY & SANDERSON / PO,KEEPSIE N Y," 1840. The jar's inscription references 1840 U.S. presidential candidate for the Whig Party, William Henry Harrison (1773-1841), who won the election with future president, John Tyler (1790-1862), as his running mate. Harrison earned the nickname, Tippecanoe, after his victory over Native American forces while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory during the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. "Tippecanoe and Tyler too" became the ticket's campaign slogan and a popular song was created from it. H 13".
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Outstanding Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Rabbit Decoration, attributed to "J.C. WAELDE. / NORTH.BAY," NY State origin, circa 1860. H 14 1/2".
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Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with In-the-Round Cobalt Ship and Lighthouse Scene, Northeastern U.S. origin, circa 1850. H 13 1/2".
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C. Rhodes. Very Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Kaolin Slip Floral Decoration, Incised "C. Rhodes," Collin Rhodes, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1850. The majority of signed pieces produced at the Collin Rhodes pottery feature the kaolin-slip inscription, "C. Rhodes Maker," executed by a hand skilled in penmanship and the art of slip-trailing. Far fewer example feature the name incised, as seen on this jug. Of important note is the cruder signature on this jug, which indicates it was signed by a different person than the one who typically signed Rhodes's pieces. The signer of this piece appears to be attempting to copy the Rhodes slip-trailed signature, showing similar font to the lettering, but with the letter "o" looking more like an "e" and a backwards "s" at the end of the name. It is believed that this jug was signed by a pottery worker less-skilled in reading and writing, possibly an enslaved craftsmen, of which there were many in Edgefield during the period. H 15".
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Scarce One-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug with Kaolin Slip Decoration, attributed to Collin Rhodes, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1850. H 10 1/2".
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Fine Two-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug with Iron Slip Floral Decoration, attributed to Thomas Chandler, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1850. H 14".
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Extremely Rare Four-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Stamped "P," attributed to the John Presley Factory, Kirksey's Crossroads, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1840. H 16". According to Cinda K. Baldwin's Great and Noble Jar, this jar was made at Presley's stoneware manufactory at the Martintown Road Pottery, later owned by John Durham and John Trapp (Baldwin, p. 48-49). Among the earliest examples of surviving stoneware attributed to the Kirksey's Crossroads area. Literature: Illustrated in Baldwin, Great and Noble Jar, p. 50, fig. 2.19.
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Fine Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Impressed Floral Decoration, Stamped Twice "BOSTON," Jonathan Fenton, Boston, MA, circa 1794-1797. H 13".
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Very Rare Small-Sized Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Watch Spring Decoration, NJ or Manhattan, NY, circa 1745-1780. H 9 1/2".
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