Outstanding Glazed Redware Figure of Seated Dog with Applied Coleslaw Fur, attributed to Anthony W. Baecher, Adams County, PA, Thurmont, MD, or Winchester, VA origin, circa 1855-1885, hand-modeled figure of a seated dog on an oblong base with curled tail, applied ears, and impressed eyes, the surface with heavily-applied, extruded clay fur. Surface covered in a mottled brown lead-and-manganese glaze. Various characteristics of the figure allow for an attribution to Bacher, including aspects of the face, muzzle, and eyes, the distinctive stance of the dog, the use of applied coleslaw fur, and color of the glaze. All of these traits are consistent with Bacher's work, and most of them closely match an important oversized dog with pups at the Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, which is firmly attributed to Bacher's Winchester period, and is pictured in Comstock's definitive book, The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region. Also of note is the distinctive notching to the base between the figure's two front legs, a detail also found on the previously-mentioned Winterthur dog. A wonderful folk sculpture by one of the most highly-regarded potters of the 19th century America. Excellent overall condition with some small areas of wear to ears and body. Thin 1 1/2" crack on underside, which does not extend through to top surface of base. L 5 1/4" ; H 4 3/4".
