Exceptional Eight-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Large and Finely-Detailed Cobalt Rooster Decoration, Stamped "J. BURGER, JR., / ROCHESTER, N.Y.," circa 1885, semi-ovoid churn with tooled shoulder, flared rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a large, artistically-rendered design of a rooster on stylized ground with an ear of corn. The decoration on this churn is one of the finest examples of rooster decoration to surface in recent years. Measuring 9 1/2" tall and 7 1/2" wide, the slip-trailed decoration includes a finely-feathered tail, comb, wattle, long flowing feathers on neck, and unusual brushed feathering to the breast. A plant in the background, either an ear of corn, a cattail, or seed pod, is accented with numerous cobalt spots. Slip-trailed 8 at shoulder. Brushed cobalt highlights to maker's mark. An impressive large-sized piece with a truly remarkable figural design. Provenance: Fresh-to-the-market, recently found in Virginia. 16" crack from rim on back, with three related flakes to surface on reverse, measuring 1 1/2", 1", and 3/4". 3� hairline from rim. Fry to cobalt. Some flakes to small area of base on side of churn. Two chips and one minor nick on exterior of rim. Nicks and typical wear to interior of rim. H 21 3/4".
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