Midwestern American Stoneware Elephant Crock

May 21, 2005 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 37

Price Realized: $25,300.00

($23,000 hammer, plus 10% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 19 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. If you're interested in having us sell a similar item for you, please contact us here.

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May 21, 2005 Auction Catalog

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Unique and Important Six-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Slip-Trailed Cobalt Elephant & Rider Decoration and the Phrase "Hold Six," Midwestern origin, probably Ohio, circa 1875, large, straight-sided crock with handles, decorated on front with a slip-trailed cobalt elephant and rider. Elephant with curling trunk, curved tusks, and saddle on back. Rider wears a hat & buttoned jacket, and holds a whip twisted in the shape of a "6." The cobalt words "Hold" and "Six" are written to the left and right of the decoration; just as the vessel holds six gallons, the phrase "Hold Six" is written across the front, and the rider "holds a 6" of his own. This is the only known example of American stoneware we are aware of bearing the decoration of an elephant with a rider. Further adding to the importance of this piece is the clever usage of decoration as a form of denoting capacity. 1 1/4" line above one handle, invisible on interior. Y-shaped line on underside, which extends 7 3/4" up from base on reverse. Portions of line barely visible on interior. A few 1 1/2" vertical lines from base. Four small rim chips. Large chip to one handle. Height 13 5/8".