Outstanding and Possibly Unique Four-Gallon Patriotic Stoneware Crock with Rabbit and Bird Decorations, Inscribed "OHIO," Ohio origin, circa 1876, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with wonderful slip-trailed design of a bounding rabbbit with heavily-shaded haunches and shoulder, carrying an American flag with curving, tasseled line. Rabbit faces a large ring-necked bird with spotted wing and striped belly, perched on a branch, and holding a similar flag. The depiction of flags suggests this crock may have been made to celebrate the American centennial. Inscribed "OHIO" at base within a wavy border. Slip-trailed 4 with flourishes below rim. The Eastern cottontail rabbit was considered the most popular game species in Ohio during the 19th century, and that may explain its appearance on this vessel. Rabbit decorations in American stoneware are considered extremely rare, and only a few potteries are known to have used this design. The addition of a second animal, along with flags and a cobalt inscription, bring this crock to a level of high significance among Midwestern stoneware pieces. One of the finest examples of Ohio stoneware to be auctioned in recent years. Provenance: A newly-discovered example, this crock has never been on the market, purchased directly out of an Ohio home. Near mint condition with a small handle chip and a 2" in-the-firing line at base, extending 2" onto underside. H 11 1/2".
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