Rare O. Henry Pottery Face Jug, Evan Javan Brown, Sr., Valdese, NC, c1937-51

Spring 2020 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 21

Price Realized: $4,080.00

($3,400 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 4 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. If you're interested in having us sell a similar item for you, please contact us here.

Auction Highlight: Spring 2020 Auction | Southern Pottery | Face Jugs | North Carolina Pottery

Spring 2020 Auction Catalog

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Very Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Stamped "O. Henry Pottery," Evan Javan Brown, Sr., Valdese, NC, circa 1937-1951, wheel-thrown, ovoid jug with applied facial features including an upturned nose, pierced eyes looking to the figure's left, incised eyebrows and eyelashes, and an open mouth with china teeth. The face assumes a humorous, surprised expression. Surface covered in an olive alkaline glaze. Impressed on underside with "O. Henry Pottery" maker's mark, used by potter, Evan Javan Brown, Sr., at his Valdese, NC operation. The pottery was actually named after the pen name of North Carolina author, William Sydney Porter. The "O. Henry Pottery" stamp has been documented on only a small number of face vessels, making it among the rarest maker's marks to find on a face vessel by any member of the illustrious Brown family of potters. Literature: For a related example, see George H. Meyer and Kay White Meyer, Early American Face Jugs, Sandringham Press, Bloomfield Hills MI, 2019, p. 116. Losses to ears. A 1" flake to reverse, possibly in-the-making. Minor wear to nose. H 6 1/2".