Sold! $15,000.
Very Rare Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, attributed to Ernest Galloway or an Associate, Paducah, KY origin, early 20th century, cylindrical jug with applied clay face including recessed eyes with pierced pupils, C-scroll ears with doubly-incised grooves, short, broad nose, and smiling mouth with numerous incised teeth. Shoulder and reverse with applied and heavily-sculpted hair. Surface covered in a reddish-brown Albany slip glaze, omitted on the whites of the eyes and teeth. This outstanding example of Southern folk sculpture, though typical in form to Galloway's work differs markedly from the stylized faces commonly seen on his jugs. A face jug with matching recessed underside and spout construction, bearing the rare incised signature, "E. Galloway / Paducah. Ky.," was sold in Crocker Farm's Fall 2020 auction, lot 51. However, that example, among others, exhibit a markedly different style to the face. Possibly Galloway's attempt at realism or the work of another potter at his shop, the laboriously-crafted face jug in this auction features anatomical accuracy in the sculpting of the head, with different shapes to the parts of the face and even musculature and wrinkles added. Of interesting note is the part in the figure's hair, distinctive to Galloway's face jugs and believed to be an homage to the prominent part the potter kept in his own hair. Arguably the most ambitious face jug known from the state of Kentucky, surviving in remarkable condition for this form. Excellent condition with some high point wear to hair. H 8 1/4".
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