Extremely Rare Stoneware Ring Flask att. Mount Crawford (Rockingham County), Virginia

March 2, 2013 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 155

Price Realized: $2,587.50

($2,250 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 11 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. If you're interested in having us sell a similar item for you, please contact us here.

March 2, 2013 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Shenandoah Valley Stoneware Ring Flask with Elaborate Cobalt Tulip Decoration, Mt. Crawford, VA origin, third quarter 19th century, hollow ring-shaped form with applied spout featuring a rounded rim. Circumference of flask decorated with several brushed cobalt tulip extending from leafy stems. Brushed cobalt swags on each side below spout. Heavy cobalt around spout. Exhibiting excellent color and decoration, this flask is the only cobalt-decorated ring flask from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia we have seen, and one of only two from the entire state of Virginia we are aware of. The distinctive tulip decoration is based upon designs developed by James Shinnick while working at B.C. Milburn's Wilkes Street Pottery in Alexandria, VA. Shinnick would later work in Strasburg and Mt. Crawford, VA, decorating ware at these shops with variations of Alexandria designs from years before. This flask was made by or inspired by Shinnick in Mt. Crawford under the firm of Ireland, Duey, & Shinnick, or possibly Ireland & Duey. Overall very nice condition. Tight, meandering crack on side of flask, extending from a small stone ping on underside, along with three short tight lines extending from same stone ping. Some additional short, tight surface lines, which appear to be in-the-firing. A 3/4" contact mark to side of flask. Some light dryness to top edge of reverse. L 7 1/2".