Unique and Important Six-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Elephant and Rider Decoration, Midwestern origin, probably Ohio, circa 1875, large, straight-sided crock with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, decorated on front with a slip-trailed design of an elephant with rider. Elephant with curling trunk, curved tusks, and saddle on back. Rider wears a hat and buttoned jacket, and holds a whip twisted in the shape of a "6." The cobalt words "Hold" and "Six" are written to the left and right of the decoration; just as the vessel holds six gallons, the phrase "Hold Six" is written across the front, and the rider "holds a 6" of his own. This is the only known example of American stoneware we are aware of bearing the decoration of an elephant with a rider, clearly influenced by the popularity of circuses during the time period. Further adding to the importance of this piece is the clever usage of decoration as a form of denoting capacity. One of the most significant examples of Midwestern stoneware to come to auction in the past several years. 1 1/4" line above one handle, invisible on interior. Y-shaped line on underside, which extends 7 3/4" up from base on reverse. Portions of line barely visible on interior. A few 1 1/2" vertical lines from base. Four small rim chips. Large chip to one handle. Height 13 5/8".
Click images to enlarge.
