Rare and Fine Stoneware Face Jug att. Charles P. Ferguson, Barrow County, Georgia

March 24, 2018 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 12

Price Realized: $2,242.00

($1,900 hammer, plus 18% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 6 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. If you're interested in having us sell a similar item for you, please contact us here.

March 24, 2018 Auction Catalog

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Very Rare Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, attributed to Charles P. Ferguson (1851-1917), Barrow County, GA, circa 1880-1890, ovoid jug with flared base and short spout, decorated with a large hand-modeled and applied clay face, including eyes with impressed oval pupils, a nose with nostrils, small ears, an open mouth with broad chin below. Heavy incised details create a mustache and goatee on the face, as well as eyelashes, and hair throughout the forehead, top, and back of the head. Surface covered in glossy brown Albany-slip-style glaze. Recognizable by its squat form, distinctive facial features, and heavily-incised hair, this work is one of a small number of face jugs known by the hand of Barrow County, GA potter, Charles Ferguson. Ferguson's grandfather, Charles H. Ferguson (1793-1878), established the family pottery in Barrow County in 1846, after working for Abner Landrum in Pottersville, SC. This connection to South Carolina's Edgefield District may have influenced the Ferguson family in the production of face jugs after establishing their Georgia pottery. Nineteenth century face jugs from the state of Georgia are significantly rarer than their counterparts produced in South Carolina and Alabama. However, innovators, such as Charles Ferguson and members of the Hewell family, would inspire future generations to produce this form regularly within the state by the second half of the 20th century. Literature: For related examples, see Burrison, Brothers in Clay: The Story of Georgia Folk Pottery, pp. 74, 75, and 227. Professionally-restored handle. Restoration to chip on nose. Chipping along edge of one ear. Lesser chipping to opposite ear. A hairline across underside, extending approximately 4 1/2" up far right side of face. H 7 1/4" ; Diameter (at base) 6 1/8".