Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Hatted Man Decoration, Inscribed "Good luck.", Stamped "WM MACQUOID & CO / POTTERY WORKS / LITTLE WST 12TH ST. N.Y.", circa 1870, cylindrical jar with tooled shoulder, flared collar, and applied lug handles, decorated with a brushed design of a man with coat and bowler hat, raising a cup beside the inscription "Good luck.". Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and capacity mark. A classic example of Macquoid figural decoration with strong exhibition history. Exhibited: Decorated Stoneware: The Art of the American Folk Potter, College Art Gallery, State University College, New Paltz, New York, Sept. 22 to Oct. 13, 1974; Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, Williamsburg, VA, May to Aug. 1975. A diagonal 12" crack extending from rim through one handle terminal towards base. A 1 1/8" in-the-firing surface line to shoulder, not visible on interior. A thin 2 1/4" crack from rim. Some mottling to surface. Nicks to inner rim where a lid would rest. Two short, minor surface lines at base, not visible on interior. Area of wear to Albany slip on interior base.
Click images to enlarge.
