Very Rare and Important Eight-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Cobalt Inscription and Date "Kentucky 1837," Stamped "I. THOMAS," Isaac Thomas, Maysville, KY, narrow-bodied, cylindrical churn with flared rim and arching tab handles, one side decorated with a finely slip-trailed inscription "Kentucky / 1837," underscored by a flowering plant. Reverse impressed with a large eight-gallon capacity mark surrounded a squared, diamond-patterned border, above the maker's mark "I. THOMAS". Slip-trailed cobalt border surrounds the maker's and capacity marks, along with a cobalt highlight to the number "8". Additionally dated on reverse "1837" in slip-trailed cobalt. Cobalt brushwork running along top and sides of handles. Monumental size and outstanding, sculptural form. This churn was evidently thrown on the wheel in two pieces and joined approximately 8" below the rim. While also a visually-impressive example, this churn holds historical importance as one of the earliest dated examples of Kentucky pottery known. A significant, recent discovery in Southern ceramics.Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, recently found in California. A thin crack on underside, extending in a curved shape partway up body of jar, ending 7" up from base of churn. 6" hairline from rim to right of Kentucky inscription. Two small rim chips and a minor rim nick. H 24".
