Exceptional Thomas Commeraw Stoneware Jug with Impressed Decoration, Manhattan, NY, circa 1805, highly ovoid jug with tooled spout and rounded foot, stamped in four rows with the words "N. YORK / COMMERAWS STONEWARE / CORLEARS / HOOK." An impressed drape and tassel design completely surrounds the words "COMMERAWS STONEWARE" and is filled with vibrant cobalt blue. The impressed words and handle terminals are also highlighted in cobalt. This outstanding example is finer than most known pieces of Commeraw stoneware. It is unusually large for a jug by this potter, and the extremely ovoid form allows the words "COMMERAWS STONEWARE" to be impressed on a single line. Thus, the dramatic shape of the jug seemed intended by the potter to accommodate his maker's mark. In addition, the impressed designs, which surround the maker's mark, are rarely so abundant on a piece of Commeraw stoneware. Nor are they typically used to frame or accent the impressed words; they usually are stamped below the rim or in a connected "clamshell" pattern, in which one is inverted atop the other. Lastly, the exceptional color on this example is the most striking we have seen on any example of Commeraw stoneware, or most Manhattan stoneware for that matter. The very light gray of the clay coupled with the strong, bright cobalt blue of the decoration draws attention to the jug. The reversed "N" in the stamp "N. YORK" is not found on most other Commeraw pieces. It is likely that this example was made early in his career, when a different stamp was used, circa 1805. We believe the jug was intended less to be used and more to advertise the high quality of Commeraw's products. A stunning example of Manhattan stoneware. Never before offered for public sale, having been recently found in a North Carolina barn. Near mint condition with a small chip on interior of spout. H 15".
