Very Fine Stoneware Frog Inkwell with Cobalt Highlights Signed "Anna Pottery / 1859"

November 2, 2013 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 470

Price Realized: $5,520.00

($4,800 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.

Auction Highlight: November 2, 2013 Auction | Anna Pottery

November 2, 2013 Auction Catalog

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Very Fine Stoneware Frog-on-Clamshell Inkwell with Profuse Cobalt Decoration, Signed "Anna Pottery / 1859," Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, molded figure of a frog with incised feet, seated a on hollow clamshell base with ink reservoir. Body of frog heavily-decorated with brushed cobalt spots and stripes, the eyes and mouth with additional brushed detail. Clamshell base with striped cobalt border. Underside incised in fine penmanship "Anna Pottery / 1859". Given that the majority of Anna frog inkwells were produced during the 1880s, it is likely that this inkwell may commemorate the Kirkpatricks' first full year of stoneware production in Anna, 1859, or may actually read "1889," with incomplete incising to the second "8". Many of the Anna frog inkwells known experienced heavy salting in the kiln, causing the cobalt decoration to have a more blurred appearance. This inkwell is a particularly fine example with crisp, dark cobalt brushwork. Provenance: Recently found in the Midwestern U.S. 7/8" base chip. Otherwise excellent condition. H 3 1/2" ; L 3 5/8".