Exceptional Stoneware Temperance Jug with Applied Snakes and Frogs and Incised Map, Texarkana or Anna Pottery, fourth quarter 19th century, wheel-thrown jug with tall neck, rounded spout, and flattened sides, featuring two molded and applied frogs constricted by a hand-modeled rattlesnake, with the snake devouring the head of one of the frogs. Handle in the form of a large snake. Snakes decorated with manganese bands. Front of jug decorated with incised and cobalt-highlighted map of the Southcentral U.S., including the following landmarks: Fort Smith, St Louis, Poplar Bluff, Miss River, Cairo, Ohio Ri, Memphis, Ark River, Little Rock, Benton, and Hot Springs. Reverse with incised medallion featuring incised and cobalt-highlighted crosshatching. Body of jug lavishly-decorated with heavy cobalt slip, the front further accented with wavy trails of manganese overlying the cobalt, creating colorful purplish highlights. Surface of jug further embellished with incised sgraffito decoration, carved into the jug after the cobalt was applied, thereby creating light gray accents against the cobalt ground. A truly remarkable example of American folk art. This ambitious work includes almost every potting and decorating technique employed by stoneware potters of the day, including wheel-throwing, molding, hand-modeling, brush-decorating with cobalt and manganese, incising, and sgraffito decoration. Provenance: Ex-Barry Cohen Collection. Significant restoration to snake handle and a second applied snake wrapping around the handle. Jug itself, as well as applied frogs with rattlesnake, survive in excellent condition. H 8 3/8".
