Extremely Important Putnam County, Indiana Stoneware Pitcher with Elaborate Incised Bird, 1844

July 19, 2014 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 89

Price Realized: $6,325.00

($5,500 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 10 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: July 19, 2014 Auction | Ohio & Midwest

July 19, 2014 Auction Catalog

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Exceedingly Rare and Important Stoneware Pitcher with Elaborate Incised Bird and Floral Decoration, Putnam County, Indiana origin, Dated 1844, skillfully-potted ovoid pitcher with squat-shaped body and flared collar, decorated with a large incised and cobalt-highlighted design of a ring-necked bird perched on a flowering plant emanting from a pot. Rim and body of pitcher decorated with incised and cobalt-highlighted drape designs. Heavy cobalt highlights to handle and handle terminals. Incised on body of pitcher "yeare 8144 / Made by W Coye(?) / putnam county indana". Certainly one of the finest examples of Indiana stoneware known, this pitcher features incised work and a decorative quality typically not found on pieces from the state. The incised flowers are very reminiscent of decorations used in Troy, New York, during the 1820s, most notably by potter, George Lent. It is likely that this extraordinary pitcher was made by a New-York-trained potter who later moved to Indiana. Exceptional form and decoration. A Midwestern stoneware masterpiece. Sealed tight semi-circular crack extending from underside to front of pitcher. This crack does not form a complete circle and the damage is not a reglued section of pitcher. Some very faint surface lines on underside, probably in-the-firing. Professionally-restored rim chips and a professionally-restored chip to right side of spout. A shallow 7/8" rim chip to right side of pitcher. H 6 3/4".