Important and Possibly Unique Stoneware Puzzle Mug with Cobalt Floral Decoration, attributed to Richard C. Remmey, Philadelphia, PA, circa 1875, finely-potted, ovoid mug with footed base, thin strap handle, perforated collar, and rounded rim fitted with six tubular spouts. Decorated on the front with a two-stemmed flowering plant featuring drooping, fern-shaped blossoms. Reverse with additional floral decoration emanating from the base of the handle. Cobalt highlights to pouring spouts at rim and handle terminals. This outstanding work is the only American stoneware example of a puzzle mug in the English style that we are aware of, produced at one of the nation's most well-known and collected pottery operations. Typical English puzzle mugs utilize a piercing in the body of the vessel that connects to a hollow handle, which then leads to an opening to drink from near the top. This example, however, is pierced directly through the wall of the mug and handle base with a small hole to drink from. One of the most interesting Remmey, Philadelphia stoneware pieces we have ever offered. Provenance: Christie's, Pennsylvania German Folk Art from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Flanders Smith, June 3, 1995, Lot 207. Missing three spouts at rim. Otherwise excellent, essentially as-made condition. H 6 1/2".
