Very Rare and Important One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Impressed Decoration, Stamped "COERLEARS HOOK / N. YORK," Thomas Commeraw, Manhattan, New York, circa 1800, ovoid jar with footed base and tooled shoulder, decorated with an impressed and cobalt-highlighted drape-and-tassel motif. Impressed with the large cobalt-highlighted marks "COERLEARS HOOK" and "N. YORK" on the front and reverse. This example features the very rare maker's mark of African-American potter, Thomas Commeraw, used during his earliest period of production, in which an extra "E" is added to the word "CORLEARS". Typically, this mark is found on examples bearing freehand incised floral decorations. A small number of pieces, such as this lot, feature this mark with Commeraw's classic impressed designs, used later in his career. It can be assumed that this jar was made during a relatively brief transitional period, between Commeraw's earliest incised pieces and later pots with impressed decoration. Besides its highly unusual maker's mark, this jar carries strong visual appeal with its pleasant one-gallon size and bulbous form. Provenance: This auction is possibly the first time this jar has been offered for sale since it was made. It descended for many generations in a Connecticut family, recently found in the consignor's garage. Tight meandering cracks to front. Two small base chips. A rim chip and minscule rim nick. A few typical, unobtrusive flaws, including two in-the-firing contact marks and a minor stone ping near base. H 10".
