Monumental Four-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Pitcher, Incised "Fill me Full and Drunk / Stockton Ga / 4", attributed to the Timmerman Pottery, Stockton, Lanier County, GA, late 19th century, oversized, ovoid-bodied pitcher with flared collar, the body incised with a wavy line flanked by two straight lines, the surface covered in a glossy, mottled-brown alkaline glaze. Side of collar incised in script, "Fill me / Full / and Drunk". Front of pitcher incised "Stockton / Ga" along with a large "4", indicating four gallons. The Timmerman family patriarch, Shimuel Timmerman (1824-1889) was born in Edgefield, SC, and moved early in life to the Stockton area of Lanier County, GA, establishing a pottery that would last into the early 20th century. This pitcher, one of a few inscribed Timmerman pieces known, is also exceedingly rare in its oversized, four-gallon capacity. Difficult to use when full, this pitcher may have served as a storefront advertising piece for the Timmerman family's operation. The pitcher's inscription, in which the vessel is personified with the imperative, "Fill me Full and Drunk", adds humor and charm to a stately, eye-catching work. This slogan may have elicited cheerful responses from passers-by, wherever this pitcher was displayed. (Inscribing a piece with words spoken by the pot itself can be found, in rare instances, on other pieces of specially-made American stoneware. Among them, is the iconic cobalt-decorated face pitcher in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution, which boldly declares, "KEEP ME FULL", in large block letters.) The idea of inscribing a vessel with words related to its use or purpose (i.e. "Filling" a vessel) is in keeping with the incised words of the Edgefield master, Dave, and perhaps this pitcher holds some distant connection to his work. One of the most important pieces of Lanier County, GA stoneware known. Provenance: Recently-discovered in the Southeastern U.S. Very nice condition. Shallow rim and spout chips. A small, 5/8" x 1/2" reglued piece to rim. A small piece of adhered in-the-firing debris to body. Some expected light surface wear. H 15 3/4".
