Extremely Rare and Important Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "ALBANY WARE", William Capron, Albany, NY, circa 1800-1805, stylishly-potted, ovoid jar with footed base, narrow opening, and applied lug handles, the shoulder impressed with the elusive maker's mark, "ALBANY / WARE", within a foliate border. Jar features heavy cobalt highlights covering the maker's mark, handle terminals, and is decorated on the reverse with a stylized flower blossom composed of four brushed strokes. The rarely-seen impressed stamp, "ALBANY WARE", was employed by potter, William Capron, circa 1800-1805, and is regarded as Albany, NY's earliest stoneware mark. This example exhibits some of the finest-colored clay and cobalt decoration we have seen on a piece of Albany stoneware, a remarkable aspect of the jar considering its date of manufacture. Later Cushman and Boynton pieces typically lack the quality of color and even glaze on this jar. Thin spidering cracks to side and base of jar. Base chips. Small chip to top of rim. Recessed area to side of jar. H 14".
