Extremely Rare Four-Gallon Stoneware Water Cooler with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration, attributed to John P. Schermerhorn, Richmond, VA, circa 1845, ovoid cooler with flared base, ribbed lug handles, slightly-flared collar, and circular bung hole, the front decorated with an elaborate brushed garland featuring leaves and oval-shaped blossoms. Reverse decorated with a large undulating vine bearing leaves, oval-shaped blossoms, culminating in a single tulip. Collar decorated with a brushed cobalt band. Cobalt highlights to handle terminals. Displaying a lighter clay body than is typically found in Schermerhorn's work, this example is one of a few water coolers by this potter known to exist. Among this select group, it is the only example that we have seen exhibiting an ovoid, collared form. Two other examples known are potted in the form of a keg with raised banding. A third is potted in the form of a cylinder. Significant restoration throughout. H 15".