Extremely Rare Upton M. Bell / Waynesboro / May 21, 1862 JOHN BELL Celadon-Glazed Stoneware Jug

July 19, 2014 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 341

Price Realized: DNMR

July 19, 2014 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare and Important One-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Celadon Glaze and Profuse Cobalt Tulip Decoration, Stamped "JOHN BELL / WAYNESBORO," Incised on shoulder "Upton M. Bell / Waynesboro / May the 21 / 1862" and "Upton M. Bell / 1862", cylindrical jug with footed base, semi-squared spout, and applied handle, the surface covered in a creamy greenish celadon glaze and lavishly-decorated with four large cobalt tulip plants extending around body. Heavy foliate brushwork decorates the length of the handle and area flanking the base of the handle. Incised in script on the shoulder "Upton M. Bell / Waynesboro / May the 21 / 1862". Opposite side of shoulder incised "Upton M. Bell / 1862". Front of jug with impressed "JOHN BELL / WAYNESBORO" maker's mark above a one-gallon capacity mark. This exceptional example was made by the son of John Bell, Upton Martin Bell, when he was just 21 years of age. The 1862 date may have some significance to the American Civil War. Upton Bell worked at his father's shop for decades, and a few hand-signed examples from this time period have survived. He would later become the final operator of the Bells' Waynesboro shop, impressing his wares with the scarce mark "UPTON M. BELL / Waynesboro, PA" during the 1890s. With its striking glaze, bold cobalt brushwork, and rare incised signatures, this jug is one of the finest examples of the form produced by the Waynesboro Bells known. Sealed top-to-bottom crack from spout on front. Tight 3 1/2" hairline from spout on left side of jug. Small, glazed-over chip on left side of jug near base. H 12".