Outstanding and Possibly Unique Six-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Bird and Triple-Grapes Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX, / HARRISBURG, PA", circa 1865, large-sized, ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, coved rim molding, and applied lug handles, profusely-decorated with a brushed cobalt orchard scene of a bird perched on a grape branch, feeding at a cluster of grapes, with additional grape clusters above and to the figure's right. Decoration includes leaves and several looping tendrils emanating from the branches. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark, capacity mark, and handle terminals. To our knowledge, the decoration on this jar is the only Cowden & Wilcox example known depicting a single bird with three clusters of grapes. The imposing size of the jar, standing 14 1/2" tall, and its decoration, measuring 10 1/4" tall by 12 1/2" wide along its curve, amplify the visual impact of this work. Among the most significant Harrisburg stoneware discoveries of the past several years. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, which recently-surfaced in NC. Very nice condition with a thin 4 1/2" crack from rim on reverse. A 3 1/2" vertical surface line to midsection on reverse, not visible on interior. A minor handle chip. A few small chips to interior of rim. Two shallow base chips. H 14 1/2".
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