Exceptional Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Profuse Freehand Cobalt Decoration, Stenciled "J. LITTELL / Greensboro, PA," circa 1865, semi-ovoid jar with incised banding, tooled shoulder, and semi-rounded rim, decorated at the shoulder with an undulating freehand vine bearing large leaves, below a freehand stripe. Midsection decorated with "J. LITTELL" maker's stenciling between freehand stripes, flanked by vertical graduated dashes culminating in a horizontal dash. Further stenciled below with the town name, "Greensboro, Pa," apparently using the same font and style of stencil as seen on A.V. Boughner stoneware. Base inscribed with a bold-faced freehand "2," flanked by vertical graduated dashes. Featuring top-to-bottom freehand decoration, outstanding vine design, and exceptional color, this jar is the finest example of Johnson Littell stoneware that we have ever offered. Provenance: Recently discovered in New England. Excellent condition with a 2 1/4" Y-shaped hairline on underside, forming a second faint Y at base on reverse, extending 2 1/2" up base, as well as some staining to reverse and sides. H 12 1/2".
