J. SWANN / ALEXA (Alexandria, VA) Stoneware Jar

November 5, 2005 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 23

Price Realized: $3,740.00

($3,400 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.

Auction Highlight: November 5, 2005 Auction | Alexandria / DC Stoneware

November 5, 2005 Auction Catalog

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Rare and Important Two-Gallon Alexandria, VA, Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Decoration, Stamped "J. SWANN / ALEXA," circa 1820, ovoid form with thin rim and tab handles, cobalt-decorated with a tulip-like flower on the front, along with a series of connected cobalt daisy heads on the front and back. Handle terminals also decorated. Signed John Swann stoneware is difficult to find, and only a small number of pieces are known with cobalt decoration. This is one of the most highly decorated examples known, with a design inspired by Baltimore stoneware motifs of the period and executed in a bold, dark cobalt blue. An outstanding three-gallon stoneware pitcher signed by John Swann and in the collection of The Lyceum in Alexandria, VA, bears an almost identical decoration. Broken and reglued, with most of the damage visible on the back. Loss to one handle. Height 11".