Rare J. BLACK / ALEXA, D.C 1 Gal. Stoneware Crock with Elaborate Brushed Floral Decoration

November 2, 2013 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 259A

Price Realized: $920.00

($800 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.

November 2, 2013 Auction Catalog

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Exceedingly Rare and Important One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration and Incised "B", Stamped "J. BLACK / ALEXA / D C," Alexandria, VA origin, circa 1831-1836, cylindrical jar with footed base, tooled shoulder, and rounded rim, decorated with a large sweeping vine bearing two tulip blossoms and heavy leaves. The second blossom includes a large fan-shaped leaf at the end, typical of designs found on pieces made by Black's competitors on Wilkes Street. Reverse decorated with a large hanging leaf. Impressed at the shoulder with the extremely rare maker's mark of James Black, who operated a small pottery on Alexandria's Wolfe Street during the 1830s. Few examples of signed or attributed stoneware by Black have survived, this jar being the first to come to auction in many years. It features what is considered the rarer of two known Black maker's marks, incorporating the name "J. BLACK" within an oval pattern. Adding to its rarity, this jar is also the only known example of Black stoneware to include a form of incised signature, the underside featuring a large script "B" with flourish below. Interestingly, this form of signature is similar to the incised initials found on the undersides of many Wilkes Street stoneware objects. A fresh-to-the-market example with wonderful, folky decoration, featuring one of Alexandria's rarest and most-coveted maker's marks. Possibly the most significant discovery in Alexandria, VA pottery of the past several years. 1 3/4" x 1 1/8" flake to side, along with a few other minor flakes above and below. 1 1/8" base chip. Thin cracks to body and underside, primarily visible at base. Some dryness to surface of one side. H 9 3/8".