Rare and Important Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Cobalt Rooster Decoration, Stamped "C.W. BRAUN / BUFFALO, N.Y.," circa 1870, cylindrical jar with rounded and tooled shoulder, applied lug handles, and flared rim, decorated with a large slip-trailed design of a strutting rooster with comb, spotted body, and heavily-detailed tail. Rooster is flanked by two shrubs atop a stylized ground. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark. Includes a salt-glazed lid, probably original. An exceptional figural design with great folk art appeal, executed in bold thick trails of cobalt slip. One of the finest stoneware examples bearing this iconic American image known. A thin 2 1/4" crack from rim on reverse. A tiny rim nick and a chip to inner rim for lid. A 3 1/2" Y-shaped line near base on reverse, not visible on interior. Some tight lines on underside, not visible on interior. A 1 3/4" line at base on reverse. 1 1/2" in-the-firing line on interior of rim, not visible on exterior. Three filled lid chips, the largest measuring 1 3/4". Some other minor edge wear to lid.
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