Outstanding New York City Stoneware Jug with Incised Man / Goat Head

March 3, 2012 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 146

Price Realized: DNMR

March 3, 2012 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Stoneware Jug with Incised Devil's Bust, Manhattan, NY origin, early 19th century, approximately three-gallon ovoid jug with tooled neck, rounded spout, and ribbed handle, decorated with a large incised and cobalt-highlighted design of a devil's bust facing the right, complete with horns, goatee, and pronounced nose. Facing the left, however, is an entirely different face, that of a long-bearded billy goat, created from the left side of devil's face and his ribbed neck. This unique and creative design is illustrated and discussed in Sumpter Priddy's seminal work, American Fancy: Exuberance in the Arts, 1790-1840. In this book, Priddy argues that the maker's use of a devil motif is likely evocative of the "demon rum" contained inside the jug. One of the most important examples of New York State stoneware to be offered anywhere in recent years. Provenance: Ex-Barry Cohen. Ex-Sothebys, June, 1991. Ex- Don Walters. Ex-Sumpter Priddy. Literature: American Fancy: Exuberance in the Arts, 1790-1840, Priddy, 2004. Cracks to body of jug. Base of handle broken and reglued, along with a small restored chip at base of handle. 1 1/2" restored spot to left of devil jug and 1 1/2" restored spot to right of devil jug. Base chips. H 15 3/4".