Possibly Unique Three-Gallon Stoneware Cream Jar with Incised Decoration of a Hatted Gentleman Raising a Glass, Dated "1841," Stamped "JOHN. B, CAIRE & CO. / MAIN ST / PO.KEEPSIE, N.Y", Poughkeepsie, NY origin, 1841, highly-ovoid jar with tooled shoulder and applied lug handles, decorated with a folky incised and cobalt-highlighted design of a hatted gentleman man with coat and buttoned shirt, raising a glass, flanked by heavily-leaved plants. Additional slip-trailed floral decoration emanates from the incised foliate designs flanking the figure. Slip-trailed below the figure with the date "1841". Cobalt highlights to maker's mark. This well-potted and wonderfully-decorated jar is believed to be unique. Its inspiration is currently unknown, although the image of a toasting gentleman suggests this jar was made as a celebratory object for an important occasion. A New York State stoneware product of great rarity and decorative appeal. George H. Lukacs, in his authoritative book Poughkeepsie Potters and the Plague, notes that "over the 100 year history of the Poughkeepsie potteries, fewer than a dozen marked examples exist of incised decorated stoneware" (Lukacs, p. 60). Provenance: Found decades ago in the northeastern U.S. A thin curving crack from rim, end at midsection on reverse. A 6 1/2" sealed hairline from rim on front, extending from a restored rim chip. Chips on interior of rim. H 12 5/8" ; Diameter (across top) 11".
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