Exceedingly Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Incised Floral Decoration, Stamped "DAVID MORGAN / NEW YORK," Corlears Hook, Manhattan, NY, circa 1800, ovoid jar with footed base, tooled shoulder, and open loop handles, decorated on the front and reverse with an incised and cobalt-highlighted stem bearing leaves and a hanging fan-shaped blossom. Impressed with the very rare maker's mark of Manhattan potter, David Morgan, at the midsection of the jar's front. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and handle terminals. This outstanding jar is one of a very few examples of David Morgan stoneware with freehand incised decorations known, and is the finest work by this potter we have ever offered. The decoration is closely-related to motifs found on the earliest signed pieces of potter, Thomas Commeraw, which bear the elusive mark "COERLEARS HOOK / N. YORK". While a commonality of style between Commeraw and Morgan has been apparent in their stamped work, this example shows the same in their freehand incised work, as well. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, found in New York State during the 1980s or 1990s. Sealed crack extending from base to shoulder on jar's front. A second thin crack extends horizontally from this crack near base on jar's front, forming several cracks on left side of jar, which end on right side of jar's reverse side. One crack also continues of from this group onto underside. Rim chips. A minor base chip and other minor base wear. H 15".
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