Impressive Five-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Large Cobalt Decoration of a Bird Perched on a Tree, Rochester, NY origin, mid 19th century, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, tall rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a very large slip-trailed design of a bird perched on a stump with branches extending to the right. Bird features folky embellishments to the body, including a striped wing, spotted breast, ringed neck, and short crest. Slip-trailed "5." below rim. Form, color, and distinctive capacity designation, are all consistent with pieces produced at the John Burger factory in Rochester, NY, circa 1860. Attributes of the decoration appear to be an attempt at following the designs of John Burger, Sr., although this bird is a much folkier interpretation. It is likely this crock was decorated by a recently-hired or lesser-skilled decorator at Burger's factory. A visually-striking example of New York State stoneware. Very tight and faint 7" hairline on front to left of bird decoration. Some staining to surface.
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