Exceptional Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Incised Floral Decoration and Two-Color Slip Decoration, Manhattan, NY origin, late 18th or early 19th century, ovoid jug with footed base, heavily-tooled spout, and ribbed handle, decorated with a large incised design of a stem bearing leaves and two daisy blossoms. The decoration, measuring an impressive 9" tall, is highlighted in a highly-unusual combination of cobalt and blackish-colored slip. Additional slip highlights to handle terminals. Excellent incised details to decoration. Stem of design is formed from a three-pronged stylus. A similar tool is employed on several fine, early examples of incised Manhattan stoneware, produced at the Pot Baker's Hill and Corlears Hook stoneware complexes. This jug was possibly produced by the same maker as the iconic Elizabeth Crane punchbowl with incised fish, widely-regarded as the greatest surviving example of American stoneware. The distinctive stem culminating in a pointed leaf is closely-related to the decoration of a second jug, sold as lot #12 in our November 2, 2013 auction. The jug to be sold in March, however, is much earlier, based on the spout construction, two-color slip, and tripartite stem. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignor decades ago. Previously deaccessioned from the New York Historical Society. An old red-painted museum catalog number on the underside indicates the jug was acquired by the museum in 1937. Several base chips. Otherwise excellent, essentially as-made condition with some tight lines to base area, typical of pieces of this age and origin, and most likely in-the-firing. H 15".
