Very Rare Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Inscription, "MY LOVE AND ME," Stamped "BROWN BROTHER , / HUNTINGTON, L.I.," circa 1870-1880, cylindrical jar with tooled shoulder, applied lug handles, and semi-rounded rim, featuring the slip-trailed inscription, "MY / LOVE / & ME." Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and capacity mark. The famous Brown Brothers epigraph vessels represent the pinnacle of this family's stoneware production. One of less than twenty such slogan-decorated pieces known from this pottery, this work features a sentimental and personal inscription indicating it may have been made as a gift for a significant other, possibly within the Brown family itself. Provenance: A recently-discovered example. A long U-shaped crack in one handle, although handle is intact without any pieces reglued. Same handle includes a 3/4" chip and a small chip. A 4 1/2" hairline from rim. An in-the-firing contact mark below the ampersand. A 1 1/4" surface line on underside continuing 2 1/2" up base on front, not visible on interior. A 1/4" line on underside, continuing 2 1/2" up base on left side of front, not visible on interior. A 2" in-the-firing separation on interior of rim, not visible on exterior. Wear to inner rim for lid. A tiny chip to interior of rim. Some minor, scattered surface flakes to base area. H 14 3/4".
