Exceedingly Rare and Important Quart-Sized Stoneware Jar with Incised Bird and Foliate Motifs, attributed to the Crolius Family, Manhattan, NY, circa 1800, ovoid jar with footed base, tooled shoulder, and open loop handles, decorated on the front with an incised and cobalt-highlighted design of a bird perched on a stylized branch. Reverse decorated with an incised and cobalt-highlighted foliate motif featuring splayed leaves and pointed tip emanating from a circular piece of fruit with openwork center. Underside incised with an additional bird-on-branch motif, the bird depicted with a large leaf or banner in its beak. 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. Excellent condition with minor base chips, a small chip interior of rim, and a few small in-the-firing surface flaws below one handle, typical for period and origin. H 6".
