Exceptional BOSTON Stoneware Jug w/ Impressed Large and Small Fish, circa 1795

July 18, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 4

Price Realized: $2,415.00

($2,100 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 9 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.

July 18, 2015 Auction Catalog

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Exceptional Large-Sized Stoneware Jug with Impressed Double-Fish Decoration, Stamped "BOSTON," Jonathan Fenton, Boston, MA, late 18th century, approximately three-gallon, highly-ovoid jug with ribbed handle and tall, heavily-tooled neck, the front decorated with two impressed and cobalt-highlighted fish motifs, one of large size with heavily-scaled body, the other smaller with elongated mouth and small triangular fins. Impressed in large letters above, "BOSTON". Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and handle terminals. This example features Fenton's classic, early-style form with bulbous body and tall neck (arguably one of the most sculptural jug forms in all of American stoneware), and is larger than most Boston fish-decorated jugs known. The use of two fish designs on the same jug is highly unusual, and the fact that the decorator has showcased two different motifs adds to the jug's decorative appeal. One of the finest examples of Fenton stoneware we have ever offered. Excellent overall condition, with primarily in-the-firing flaws, typical of stoneware of this period and origin. A 1" in-the-firing chip to top of spout and a very minor in-the-firing chip to top of spout. Typical in-the-firing contact marks to surface, including one to left of smaller fish. A 1 3/4" shallow flake to underside at bottom edge of jug. Other small, shallow chips to underside at edge. H 17 3/4".