Extremely Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Profuse Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stenciled "RICE & BROYLES / (?) MONUMENT / POTTERY / LINDSIDE, W. VA.," circa 1875, cylindrical jar with tooled shoulder, rounded rim, and applied lug handles, the front featuring the large stenciled signature "RICE & BROYLES / W(?) MONUMENT / POTTERY / LINDSIDE, W. VA.". Lavish freehand cobalt decoration throughout, including leafy brushwork flanking a brushed stripe at shoulder, large tulips on each side, and additional brushwork the shoulder on the reverse above freehand "3" flanked by leaves. Cobalt highlights to edge of handles. Excellent color to brushed decoration. Few signed examples of Rice & Broyles stoneware are known. Attesting to their rarity, this jar is first piece from this pottery we have ever offered. It is additionally the most profusely-decorated we have seen. The large tulips on each side are highly reminiscent of decorations used at the Decker Pottery of Chucky Valley, Tennessee, suggesting some influence between these two operations. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased decades ago by the consignor. Approximately 8" Y-shaped vertical crack on reverse. An additional short line at base on reverse. A horizontal crack at base, extending from front to side of jar. Some additional thin cracks and crazing to underside. A 1 1/4" chip to underside of left handle, along with other small chips to same handle.
