Exceptional Four-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Elaborate Reclining Dog Scene, Stamped "HAXSTUN, OTTMAN & CO. / FORT EDWARD, N.Y.," circa 1875, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a slip-trailed design of a dog with collar and spotted body, reclining atop a shrubbed mound, beside a tree stump. A sense of vitality is given to the scene as the dog turns its head to watch four flying birds in the distance. Cobalt accents to maker's mark and capacity mark. This crock features one of the most elaborate dog designs that we have ever offered, the stump and birds being unusual additions to the scene. Provenance: EX-Sotheby's. Exfoliation at base, more prominent on reverse/left side of crock. Tight cracks on underside, including a crack extending 3" up base on right side of crock's front and running 5 1/2" horizontally onto the right side of the crock. Two small, in-the-firing pings to front. A colored 2" rim chip on reverse. A short in-the-firing surface line extending from top of rim to interior, measuring 1 3/4". A few very minor chips to interior of rim. H 11 1/2".
