Very Rare One-and-a-Half-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Epitaph Crock, Inscribed "KISS ME JOHNY", Stamped "BROWN BROTHER / HUNTINGTON, L.I.", circa 1870-1885, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, featuring the slip-trailed cobalt inscription, "KISS ME JOHNY", surrounded by stylized foliate motifs. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and capacity mark. With an appealing sentiment of affection, this crock is one of a relatively small number of Brown Brother epitaph crocks known. All are considered important examples of Huntington, Long Island pottery, considered the finest objects produced at the Brown Brothers shop. Provenance: Donald Matties Collection. A restored top-to-bottom crack on front, extending through left side of inscription with touch-up to cobalt along crack line. A restored rim chip above left handle. A glazed-over chip to left handle. A few short lines to base area. H 8 1/8".
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