Extremely Rare Large-Sized Ovoid Stoneware Jug with Incised Fish Design, Manhattan, NY origin, probably Crolius family, circa 1800, approximately four-gallon ovoid jug with heavily-tooled neck and semi-rounded spout, decorated with a large, deeply-incised design of a fish with heavily-detailed fins and circular eye. The fish design was embellished with cobalt in a deliberate manner, with heavy highlights to the face and fins, no application to the eye, and spotted and dappled application to the body. Heavy rounded handle on reverse with impressed lower terminal and cobalt highlights. The distinctive form and color of jug indicate a Manhattan, NY origin. Incisd fish decorations are exceedingly rare among New York City stoneware products, with only a few examples known. In addition, this jug, measuring approximately four gallons, is one of the largest examples of the form we have seen with a Manhattan origin. Its imposing, large-sized fish design measures an impressive 7 1/2" long. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, deaccessioned from a museum. The jug was donated to the museum in 1974, having been purchased by the donor in the 1930's from a prominent Connecticut antiques dealer. March's auction will be the first time this piece will be sold on the public market in eighty years. Contact mark to shoulder and side near base. Base chip. Smooth chip to spout, which appears to be in-the-firing. H 16 1/2".
