Albany, NY Stoneware Jar w/ Incised Drunkard Scenes

October 31, 2009 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 27

Price Realized: DNMR

October 31, 2009 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Incised Stoneware Drunkard Jar, probably William Capron, Albany, NY, circa 1805, ovoid jar with applied handles, tall collar, and tooled foot and shoulder. Decorated on one side with an incised and cobalt-highlighted bust of a hatted man raising a glass. Reverse with an incised wide-eyed man or demonic figure, his hair standing on end, clutching a sword, and holding a decapitated man's body by its coattails. Presumably the decapitated figure is the man represented on the front of the jar. His head and hat are incised to the left and his glass is being dropped from his hand. Other body parts, an arm, a foot, and section of a leg, incised between the figures, indicate the man has literally been cut to pieces, perhaps by a man he insulted. We believe the decoration on this jar is a commentary on the evils or dangers of alcohol consumption. Form and color are consistent with early Albany, NY stoneware. Incised figural decorations depicting a sense of movement or action are extremely rare. Very heavy chipping to base. Significant exfoliation to surface. Stone pings. 2" firing flaw near base under one handle. Small rim chip. One handle chip. H 12".