An American Ceramic Masterwork: THE PHILADELPHIA COOLER. Highly Important Twenty-Gallon Stoneware Water Cooler with Profuse Incised Bird and Flowering Plant Motif and Brushed Flowering Plant Motifs, Stamped "PHILADELPHIA / A D / MDCCCXXVIII" and "JK," attributed to Henry Remmey, Jr., Philadelphia, PA, 1828.
Among the most lavishly decorated early American ceramic objects known, this extraordinary creation ranks as THE masterwork of Remmey family stoneware produced in America. Imposing in its proportions, the cooler reveals Henry Remmey, Jr.'s abilities as a master of his medium as both a potter and decorator. While showcasing the incised decorative treatment of his birthplace, Manhattan, in its over-the-top flowering plant bearing four birds, the cooler also displays a growing change in style throughout the Mid-Atlantic stoneware school in its exuberant brushwork on the reverse. Elaborate horizontal daisy motifs appear at the shoulder and base, incised on the former and brushed on the latter.
Clearly made as a statement piece just one year after Remmey's arrival in Philadelphia (after working with his father for fifteen years in Baltimore) the cooler features a cleverly sculpted bunghole in the form of a stylized flowerpot, proudly touting the name of the potter's new city of production. The highly unusual Roman numeral date, "AD / MDCCCXXVIII," also impressed on the bunghole, highlights the import of this work--a classically inspired monument in clay--to Remmey's oeuvre. The initials, "JK," impressed on one of the cooler's rare tripartite handles, may refer to the cooler's owner.
Superlatives cannot adequately express the significance of this object as a work of both ceramic art and a piece emblematic of the American style of stoneware production. Recently discovered, the cooler includes some professional restoration to damage, most or all of which was incurred during the firing. H 33".
Rochester Masterwork. Exceedingly Rare and Important Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Fox Decoration, Stamped "F. STETZENMEYER. & Co. / ROCHESTER, N.Y.," circa 1855. Among the finest examples of Stetzenmeyer stoneware known and one of only a few surviving pieces depicting the region's coveted fox motif. The addition of a heavily-spotted sunflower depicted in oversized scale in relation to the fox adds to the appeal of this exceptional work. H 16".
North Carolina Masterwork. Outstanding Slip-Decorated Redware Lidded Sugar Jar, attributed to the Loy or Albright Families, Alamance County, NC, late 18th century. The finest-decorated product from this potting tradition that we have ever offered. Provenance: A recently-surfaced work, which descended in a North Carolina family. H 10 1/8".
Rare and Important Six-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Inscribed "Decr. 4 1856 / Dave / Lm," David Drake at Lewis Miles's Stony Bluff Manufactory, Horse Creek Valley, Edgefield District, SC, 1856. This work includes a desirable combination of Drake's signature, the initials of his enslaver, Lewis Miles, and the date of its manufacture. Two slash marks, a hallmark of Drake's work, appear at the shoulder, flanked by two columns of three punctates, denoting the vessel's capacity of six gallons. Drake, an enslaved African-American potter, is regarded as one of the most outstanding and historically significant artisans of 19th century America. Provenance: A recently-surfaced example, which descended in the family of the consignor. H 14 3/4".
Outstanding Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Extravagant Cobalt Chicken Pecking Corn Decoration, Stamped "E & L P NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT," circa 1860. H 13 3/4".
Maker and Decoration. Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Peacock-on-Branch Decoration, Stamped "J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT," circa 1855. H 11 1/4".
Fine Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Reclining Deer Scene, Stamped "J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT," circa 1855. H 14 3/4".
Extremely Rare Slip-Decorated Redware Face Flask, Northeastern U.S. origin, first half 19th century. Few face vessels of this form are known, this example possibly representing a Native American. A related face jug possibly by the same maker is currently on display at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, New York. H 6" ; L 5".
Hot Whiskey Punch. Exceedingly Rare Glazed Redware Presentation Pitcher, Inscribed "Hot Whiskey Punch / Dr. J.D. Logan / Balt- 1876 / From J.F.P.," Signed "James C. Mackley / Mechanicstown," Mechanicstown (now Thurmont)," MD, 1876. Made for Baltimore dog show judge, Dr. J.D. Logan, this centennial-dated work features an outstanding English-style form differing markedly from the style of Mackley's German-born mentor, Anthony W. Bacher. H 7".
Earliest North Carolina Stoneware Mark. Exceedingly Rare and Important Salt-Glazed Stoneware Jug with Iron-Oxide Wash, Stamped "Gurdon Robins / & Co. / Fayetteville, NC," Edward Webster, Fayetteville, NC, circa 1819-1820. One of a few examples of stoneware bearing this mark, this jug was made by Hartford, CT-trained potter, Edward Webster, at the Fayetteville pottery owned by merchant, Gurdon Robins. Showing clear Hartford school attributes, this jug represents the earliest beginnings of what would become a booming salt-glazed stoneware industry in the state. H 16 1/2".
Anna Influence. Very Rare Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Temperance Jug with Yellow Slip Decoration, Incised "S. L B / 1885," Simeon L. Bray, Evansville, IN, 1885. This figural-decorated work was inspired by Bray's training at the Anna Pottery of Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, masters of the temperance jug form. H 7".
Decoration, Form, and Maker. Possibly Unique One-and-a-Half-Gallon Stoneware Batter Pail with Four Cobalt Man-in-the-Moon Motifs, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA," circa 1865. This broken and reassembled work is possibly the only surviving example of Cowden & Wilcox stoneware depicting its iconic man-in-the-moon motif four times. H 9 3/8".
Fine One-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Impressed Fish Motif, Stamped "BOSTON," Jonathan Fenton, Boston, MA, late 18th century. H 13".
Fine Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Canning Jar with Stenciled Apple Motif, Stenciled "Hamilton & Jones / STAR POTTERY.," Greensboro, PA, circa 1870. H 9 1/4".
Rare Stoneware Canning Jar with Cobalt Stripe and Stenciled Cherries Decoration, attributed to Stephen H. Ward, West Brownsville, PA, circa 1870. H 10".
Fine Three-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Crock with Stenciled Eagle Motif, Stenciled "Eagle Pottery" and "JAS. HAMILTON / & CO. / GREENSBORO, / PA," circa 1875. H 11 7/8".
Extremely Rare Pair of Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Presentation Flowerpots, Inscribed in Cobalt ""E.F.F." and "R.F.C.," Western PA origin, circa 1865-1880. Potted in petite proportions with delicately-crimped rims, this pair may have been made as wedding gifts with the initials referring to the bride and groom. Literature: Illustrated in Made in Western Pennsylvania- Early Decorative Arts, The Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania, fig. 41. H (of each) 4 5/8".
Fine Bristol-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Spaniel with Albany Slip Brushwork, OH origin, fourth quarter 19th century. H 10 1/4".
Extremely Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "JOHN WALKER / D.C.," Washington, D.C., circa 1830. The only pitcher from this pottery that we are aware of. H 10 1/4".
Exceptional Miniature Stoneware Pitcher with Elaborate Cobalt Clover Decoration, attributed to George Henry Davidson, Strasburg, VA, circa 1880. Outstanding size and superb brushwork likely executed by the Baltimore-trained potter, George Henry Davidson. H 5".
Very Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Slip-Trailed Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "J. MILLER. / WHEELING, Va.," Dated 1831. H 13 3/4".
Meaders Masterwork. Extremely Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug with Rock Eyes and Teeth, attributed to Cheever and Lanier Meaders, Cleveland, GA, circa 1967. Featuring exceptionally large rock eyes and an appealing green glaze, this face jug ranks among the greatest Meaders family products known. A collaborative work by father, Cheever, and son, Lanier, the piece was made when The Smithsonian purchased over two-hundred Meaders jugs to be sold at their Folk Life Festival in 1967. The underside bears the penciled inscription, "Meaders / Georgia / 7-3-67." Provenance: Carl and Marian Mullis Collection; Ex-Stan Clark, Gillsville, GA. H 8".
Meaders Masterwork. Exceedingly Rare and Important Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Signed "CM," attributed to Arie Meaders, Cleveland, GA, circa 1958-1959. One of approximately twenty-five face jugs made by leading female folk ceramicist, Arie Meaders, the mother of Lanier Meaders. Lanier identified the brief period his mother produced these jug by the "pure Albany slip glaze" used. The underside of this example is signed with a conjoined "CM," indicating it was made at the pottery of Arie's husband, Cheever Meaders. Provenance: Carl and Marian Mullis Collection; Ex-Southern Folk Pottery Collectors Society, 2010. H 6 5/8".
Very Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Signed "LM," Lanier Meaders, Cleveland, GA, circa 1960s. This jug's initialed signature, style of glaze, and reductive modeling omitting ears and teeth, all date this work to Meaders's formative years of face jug production. Provenance: Carl and Marian Mullis Collection; Ex-Stan Clark. H 6 1/2".
Very Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, attributed to Harvey Reinhardt, Vale, NC, second quarter 20th century. Provenance: Carl and Marian Mullis Collection. H 6 5/8".
Craig Masterwork. Important Oversized Stoneware Face Jug with Alkaline Glaze, Stamped "B.B. CRAIG / VALE, N.C.," early fourth quarter 20th century. Measuring approximately eight gallons in capacity and standing an astounding 23 1/4" tall, this monumental work is the largest B.B. Craig face jug that we have seen. Provenance: Carl and Marian Mullis Collection; Southern Folk Pottery Collectors Society, 2014. H 23 1/4".
New York State Stoneware Masterwork. Exceedingly Rare and Important Five-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Elaborate Standing Deer Scene, Stamped "F. STETZENMEYER & Co. / ROCHESTER, N.Y.," circa 1855. Believed to be the only example of Stetzenmeyer stoneware known depicting a deer, this work features a delicate and masterful rendering of the animal related to designs by his Rochester contemporary, John Burger. Accounting for condition, this crock is arguably the best example of Stetzenmeyer stoneware known as well as one of the definitive examples of deer decoration known in all of American stoneware. H 11 7/8".
Commeraw Masterwork. Exceedingly Rare and Important Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Incised Floral Decorations, Stamped "COERLEARS HOOK / N. YORK," Thomas W. Commeraw, Corlears Hook, Manhattan, NY, circa 1797.
The freehand-incised decoration and impressed mark on this jar dates it to Commeraw's earliest years as an independent potter active in the Manhattan neighborhood of Corlears Hook. Very few examples of his work featuring incised floral decoration executed by hand are known. Within a few years of this jar's manufacture, Commeraw began using his well-known impressed drape-and-tassel motifs, which allowed him and his employees to more efficiently decorate their products. As such, this jar, and the small body of work it belongs to, are regarded as not only his earliest works, but those that we can strongly attribute to Commeraw himself as both a potter and decorator.
Of particular note is the fine condition of this example; most of Commeraw's earliest pieces survive with moderate to significant damage. Another fine point of this jar is its extraordinary decoration, featuring two motifs that differ markedly on the front and reverse. While the reverse features a design typical of jars from this period, the front depicts a previously unknown floral motif with crescent-shaped leaves and tripartite flowers appearing as a precursor to Commeraw's well-known impressed drape-and-tassel design.
The decorative quality, age, and condition of this work rank it among Commeraw's finest surviving vessels. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, which recently surfaced in the Midwestern U.S. H 12 1/4".
Important Presentation Jar. Outstanding Small-Sized Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jar, Inscribed "S J Thompson / Parkersburg W Va / Aug 19 1882," attributed to the A.P. Donaghho Pottery, Parkersburg, WV, 1882. This jar's incised inscription, fine brushwork, and small size modeled after larger handled jars, rank it among the finest pieces from Donaghho's Parkersburg production known. Provenance: From a fifty-year West Virginia collection. H 7 1/2".
Exceptional Two-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Crock, Stenciled "GO TO GEO. LEONARD / AND BUY / YOUR GOODS. / RAVENSWOOD / W. VA," Palatine, WV origin, circa 1880. This work's rare town name and use of an imperative slogan to the buyer rank it among the most outstanding examples of West Virginia advertising that we have offered in recent years. Provenance: From a fifty-year West Virginia collection. H 9 1/2".
Very Rare Small-Sized Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Canning Jar with Ravenswood, WV Advertising, attributed to T.F. Reppert, Greensboro, PA origin, circa 1880. Provenance: From a fifty-year West Virginia collection. H 6 1/2".
Rare Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Bowl with Stenciled Thistle Motif, Greensboro, PA origin, circa 1870. Provenance: From a fifty-year West Virginia collection. Diam. 8 3/4" ; H 5 3/4".
Very Rare Small-Sized Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Stripe Decoration and Inverted Maker's Stenciling, Stenciled "Hamilton / & Jones," Greensboro, PA, circa 1870. H 7 3/4".
Scarce Five-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Freehand Cobalt Decoration, Stamped "A & W BOUGHNER / GREENSBORO / PA," circa 1860. H 15 3/8".
Fine Three-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Freehand Decoration, Greensboro, PA origin, circa 1865. H 13 1/2".
Fine and Scarce Two-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Pitcher, Stenciled "WILLIAMS & REPPERT. / GREENSBORO. PA.," circa 1885. H 13 3/8".
Scarce One-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Pitcher, Stenciled "Jas. Hamilton / & Co. / Greensboro / Pa.," circa 1875. H 10 3/8".
Fine Six-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Churn with Stenciled Eagle Motif, Stenciled "EXCELSIOR POTTERY" and "A.P. Donaghho, / Parkersburg W.V," circa 1880. H 17 1/4".
Extremely Rare Miniature Salt-Glazed Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Incised Bird, Floral, and Sawtoothed Motifs, attributed to Chester Webster, Randolph County, NC, circa 1850-1879. H 3 3/8".
Southern Rarity. Extremely Rare Stamp-Decorated Stoneware Inkwell, Dated 1861, attributed to Chester Webster, Randolph County, NC, 1861. Inkwells are among the rarest utilitarian stoneware forms produced in the American South, this example having been made by one of the most celebrated potters of 19th century North Carolina. Diam. 2 1/4" ; H 1 5/8".
Extremely Rare Small-Sized Stoneware Pitcher, Inscribed "M. Loy / N C / 1879," Mebane Loy, Chatham County, NC, 1879. H 5".
Exceptional Salt-Glazed Stoneware Jug, Stamped "J.A.C," John A. Craven, Randolph County, NC, mid 19th century. Finely-potted form with beautiful glaze runs and drips. H 16 1/2".
Exceedingly Rare One-Gallon Salt-Glazed Stoneware Jar with Dipped Slip Coating, Stamped "G.F. WOLF," George Franklin Wolf, Alamance County, NC, circa 1880. George Franklin Wolf was the brother of Orange and Person County, North Carolina potter, Gaston Wolf, whose mark, "G. WOLF," is considered rare, but occasionally found. This work, featuring delicate potting and dark-brown surface composed of Albany slip or iron-oxide under salt glaze, is possibly one of only two known examples of stoneware bearing a "G.F. WOLF" stamp. H 9 1/2".
Alabama Rarity. Outstanding Diminutive Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Pitcher with Applied Floral Decoration, AL origin, circa 1860-1880. Featuring an exceptional size and refined form, this pitcher includes hand-modeled and applied decoration related to designs found on Cleburne County, Alabama pieces as well as sprig-molded designs used by Randolph County, Alabama potter, John Lehman. H 4 7/8".
Exceptional One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "J. SWANN / ALEXA," Alexandria, VA origin, circa 1820. Relatively few examples of cobalt-decorated stoneware by Swann are known. The design on this jar closely relates to motifs used by Baltimore, Maryland and Richmond, Virginia potter, Thomas Amoss. Coupled with the jar's fine decoration is a desirable size and unusual potting to the vessel in its rim and handle construction and wide-bodied form. H 9".
Fine Half-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Slip-Trailed Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "B.C. MILBURN / ALEXA," VA origin, circa 1850. Provenance: From a recently-surfaced Virginia collection. H 8".