Exceptional Stoneware Temperance Jug with Snakes, Lizard, Salamander, and Turtle Stopper
March 2, 2013 Stoneware Auction
Lot #: 345
Price Realized: DNMR
Outstanding Salt-Glazed Stoneware Temperance Jug with Applied Figural Decoration, Midwestern origin, fourth quarter 19th century, ovoid jug with heavily-incised rustic surface, the handle in the form of a large snake biting the leg of a large applied figure of a lizard or rodent. The figure's head, leg, and arm, disappear into the body of the jug, as if consumed by the alcohol inside. A second snake applied atop the snake handle bites the figure's other arm. Two smaller applied snakes and a salamander wind their way toward the figure, in an attempt to devour it as well. Surface of jug and applied animals heavily-decorated with brushed cobalt and brown Albany slip. The original stoneware stopper with animal-form finial, perhaps in the form of a small dragon, is included, with similar blue and brown slip decoration. The overall style of this jug suggest that it was made in the Midwestern United States, and based upon examples produced by Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick of Anna, Illinois. A wonderful and imaginative example of American ceramic folk art. Jug in excellent condition. Stopper with losses to figural finial. H (including stopper) 8 3/8".
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