Exceedingly Rare Stoneware Snake Jug with Applied Owl Motif, Inscribed "Little Brown Jug", attributed to Jacob Bachley, Texarkana Pottery, Texarkana, AR, circa 1880, small-sized, highly-ovoid jug with Albany-slip-glazed surface, the handle in the form of a hand-modeled snake featuring heavily-incised scale detail, decorated with a clear glaze accented with white daubs. Body of jug decorated with a hand-modeled and applied figure of an owl perched on a branch, beside the inscription "Little Brown / Jug". This recently-surfaced work, made in the style of the Kirkpatrick brothers' Anna Pottery, features a glaze treatment and writing style consistent with pieces produced by Jacob Bachley of Texarkana, AR, who, in in his day, was referred to as the "Texarkana Pottery Man". Bachley potted for a short period due to his untimely death and his products are considered significantly rarer than their Anna counterparts. This work is the first snake jug we have seen by any potter with an applied clay owl, although this type of bird was a popular subject of the Kirpatricks, as seen in their well-known owl whistles. Of note is one period description of Bachley's work that describes "articles fashioned after owls" and "Pitchers encircled by snakes and toads, the folds of which serve for handles." An exciting example of Southern-made stoneware in the Anna style. Wear to top edge of spout. Little wear to tip of snake's snout. Horizontal hairline to handle. H 3 3/4".
