Extremely Rare Miniature Stoneware Jar with Incised Bird and Leaf Decorations, attributed to Albany, NY, early 19th century, ovoid jar with rounded foot, applied lug handles, and tall collar, decorated on the front with an incised design of a bird in resting pose, with head turned against its body, the design highlighted in cobalt slip. Bird depicted with long legs, its body accented with curving "feather" strokes. Reverse decorated with an incised and cobalt-highlighted leaf design, accented with horizontal incised lines on the interior. Additional cobalt brushwork at the ends of each handle. Form and color of jar are consistent with stoneware produced in Albany, NY, circa 1805 to 1820, most notably at the pottery of Paul Cushman. Exceptional size and decoration. A remarkable example of early New York State stoneware. Excellent condition: 1" line from base, which does not go through to interior. Two shallow chips on interior of rim. Thin, shallow base chip, which likely occurred in the firing. H 4 3/8".
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