Rare Six-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Cobalt Seated Lion Decoration, Stamped "J. BURGER. JR. / ROCHESTER. N.Y.", circa 1885, semi-ovoid churn with tooled shoulder, tall collar, and applied lug handles, decorated with an artistic slip-trailed design of a lion with flowing mane and upswept tail, seated beside a tree. Excellent detail throughout in the Burger style, including stripes to the legs and tree trunk and spots on the animal's haunch. Stylized ground below. Slip-trailed "6." to shoulder. Brushed cobalt highlights to maker's mark. The lion motif remains one of the most iconic of Northeastern U.S. stoneware designs. This figure's seated stance is highly unusual among known Burger family products. This example features a desirable form and size, with a design that measures an impressive 11" tall x 8" wide. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased privately by the consignor years ago. Very nice overall condition, the only flaws being some chips to the interior of the rim and inner rim for lid, an in-the-firing, glazed-over line on interior, not visible on exterior, and two small iron pings. H 20".
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