Exceptional Stoneware Jug with Profuse Impressed Drape-and-Tassel Decoration, Thomas Commeraw, Manhattan, NY, circa 1805, skillfully-potted, highly-ovoid jug with rounded foot, heavily-tooled spout, and ribbed handle, stamped "N. YORK / COMMERAWS STONEWARE / CORLEARS / HOOK". Decorated with impressed and cobalt-highlighted drape-and-tassel motifs surrounding the mark "COMMERAWS STONEWARE". An additional, previously unknown, decorative stamp flanks the impressed words. Rectangular in form with a scalloped edge, the stamp appears to be a drape-like embellishment or perhaps a horizontal flower blossom. Additional cobalt highlights to handle terminals, as well as to the impressed words "N. YORK" and "CORLEARS HOOK". This jug is one of a very small number known with the words "COMMERAWS STONEWARE" impressed in a single line, apparently potted in a highly ovoid form to accommodate the signature. The decoration is significantly more elaborate than most examples of Commeraw's stoneware. The reverse N in "N. YORK" and the use of vibrant cobalt against a light clay ground is also rare among Commeraw's work. Jugs of this type were likely made early in Commeraw's operation to advertise the quality of his work. Recent research by Brandt Zipp has established that Commeraw was a free African-American potter. One of the finest examples of early Manhattan stoneware to be auctioned in recent years. Provenance: Purchased by the consignor in Pennsylvania approximately twenty years ago. In-the-firing dry section to top of spout along with a few small, smooth chips to top of spout near handle, all of which were caused by a kiln stacker during the firing. 2" shallow chip to side of jug, also probably in-the-firing. Glazed-over, in-the-firing spidering hairlines at base. 5" hairline to shoulder on right side of jug. H 14 3/4".
