Extremely Rare Virginia Stoneware Plantation Jar, Incised "Smith / Airville / Va," Baltimore, MD origin, circa 1820-1830, three-gallon ovoid jar with squared rim and tab handles, decorated front and back with a sweeping stem bearing leaves and flowers. On the front, the decoration curves under and around the extremely rare, finely incised inscription "Smith / Airville / Va," which is also highlighted in cobalt. The inscription refers to the Airville Plantation of Gloucester, VA, located near historic Williamsburg. The plantation was owned during the early 19th century by merchant and delegate to the Virginia Legislature, Thomas Smith. Only a few examples of Smith Airville stoneware have survived, this possibly being the finest example. In the past, the few known Airville pieces have been erroneously attributed to the Wilkes Street Pottery of Alexandria, VA. However, certain stylistic nuances about these jars, their form, color, and most notably their decoration, point to a Baltimore origin. While the decoration is similar to the work of Elisha and David Parr, we believe this jar was made for Thomas Smith at the pottery of one the Parrs" competitors, during the 1820 to 1830 time frame. An important new discovery in Baltimore and Virginia stoneware. Rim chips. Two small chips to one handle. In-the-firing vertical separations on interior, which do not go through to exterior, except for a 1 1/4" line on shoulder. H 14".
