Extremely Rare Large-Sized Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Turkey Decoration and Molded Handles, attributed to David Greenland Thompson, Morgantown, WV, third quarter 19th century, unusually-shaped, narrow-bodied jar with ovoid midsection, heavily-tooled shoulder, flattened rim, and molded handles with embossed foliate designs. Front of jar decorated with a very large design of a male wild turkey with long legs, incised eye and mouth, and pronounced "beard" extending from the bird's breast. A flower with leafy stem appears to the bird's left. Additional cobalt brushwork below turkey, and highlights to the handle terminals. This jar is the first Morgantown example we have seen depicting a turkey, a design the measures an impressive 12 1/2" tall. It is also the first of this form we have seen, similar in style to a churn, but lacking the typical churn rim. The jar measures five to six gallons, and a seam line around the midsection indicates it was thrown in two sections. A stately piece of West Virginia stoneware, with exceptional form, size, and decoration. A large in-the-firing contact mark on side and reverse. Three smaller in-the-firing contact marks to right of turkey on front. 2 1/4" rim chip on side of jar. A small handle chip and a few very minor base chips. H 19".
