Lot #: 59
Price Realized: $1,610.00
($1,400 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.
Very Rare Shenandoah Valley of Virginia Redware Flowerpot with Mocha-Style Seaweed Decoration, Stamped "SOLOMON BELL / STRASBURG / Va.," circa 1875, elegantly-potted, tapered flower pot with attached saucer, tooled midsection, and elaborate crimping to rim and saucer, the surface dipped in a yellowish-tan slip and decorated with four manganese seaweed motifs in the style of fine English mochaware. Impressed with Solomon Bell maker's mark on shoulder. The outstanding decorative motif on this flowerpot, which resembles seaweed, is created by dripping a colored acidic solution onto the pot's wet slip ground. This technique was popularized on British creamware in the late 18th century, which was imported in large numbers to the United States for several decades. Relatively few signed pieces by members of the Bell family are known bearing this visually-appealing treatment. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased years ago by the consignor in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Bell slip-washed flowerpots are typically found in damaged condition, particularly when made with a double-crimped rim. This example survives in very nice condition for this form and maker. Three losses to lower row of crimping at rim, measuring 3", 2 1/4", and 1 3/8". Other small rim chips, three minor chips to the top edge of the saucer, and a minor base chip. Typical light surface wear. Slip-washed and decorated surface survives in strong condition. H 7 1/2" ; Diameter (across top of flower) 8 1/2".
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Shenandoah Valley Redware Pitcher & Washbowl Set, attrib. J. Eberly & Co., Strasburg, VA
