Lot #: 265
Price Realized: $2,832.00
($2,400 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.
Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Impressed Drape-and-Tassel Decoration, Stamped "COERLEARS HOOK / N. YORK", Thomas Commeraw, Corlears Hook, Manhattan, NY, circa 1800, ovoid jar with flared collar, combed shouder, open loop handles, and footed base, decorated on the front and reverse with impressed and cobalt-highlighted drape-and-tassel motifs. Impressed on the front and reverse with the cobalt-highlighted marks, "COERLEARS HOOK" and "N. YORK". Brushed cobalt highlights to handle terminals. This important work by the African-American potter, Thomas Commeraw, features the elusive "COERLEARS HOOK" stamp, used during his earliest period of stoneware manufacture. (The mark is an alternative spelling from the more commonly-seen, later "CORLEARS HOOK" stamp.) The "COERLEARS HOOK" mark, when found, is most typically seen on pieces with freehand incised decoration; the fact that this jar features Commeraw's early stamp with his later drape-and-tassel motif suggests that it was made during a short window between his use of freehand and impressed designs, circa 1800. Coupled with the early-period mark is fine combing to the shoulder and exceptional color to the jar, both also characteristic of his earlier, finer work. An important example by this beloved early African-American craftsman. One handle restored. A sealed crack in underside, extending to midsection of jar on one side, and onto base area below the word "HOOK" on front. This damage includes a 3/4" reglued triangular piece on underside. Some shallow chipping to rim. A 3/4", in-the-firing separation line to rim on side of jar, not visible on interior.
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