Rare Stoneware Bank with Man's-Head Finial and Cobalt Floral Decoration

October 25, 2014 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 248A

Price Realized: $1,035.00

($900 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.

October 25, 2014 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Bank with Man's-Head Finial, American, probably New York State origin, circa 1860-1880, wheel-thrown bank with carved vertical slot and tooled finial culminating in a molded and applied laughing man's head with cap. Bank profusely-decorated with four brushed cobalt tulips, similar in style to those found on pieces made by Thompson Harrington during Lyons, New York period. Heavy cobalt highlights to finial. One of two banks we have seen featuring this particular molded head as a finial, the other being lot #17 in our July 11, 2009 auction. Both include restoration to the neck. A whimsical example of one of the most-prized American stoneware forms. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, recently discovered in Florida. Restored crack around neck of finial. Small restored surface flake to left of slot. Otherwise as-made condition. H 5 3/8".