Extremely Rare and Important "Made by David Bissett" Old Bridge, NJ Stoneware Jar

March 23, 2019 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 304

Price Realized: $531.00

($450 hammer, plus 18% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 5 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 23, 2019 Auction Catalog

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Exceedingly Rare and Important Large-Sized Stoneware Jar with Boldly-Brushed Cobalt Decoration, Inscribed "Made by David Bissett / Decemr the 4 1819", Old Bridge, NJ origin, 1819, approximately six-gallon, ovoid jar with footed base, tooled shoulder, and open loop handles, featuring the finely incised and cobalt-highlighted inscription "Made by David Bissett / Decemr the 4 1819". Brushed wavy cobalt stripe below. Reverse with brushed wavy stripe decoration flanked by stylized fan-shaped floral motifs. Brushed cobalt highlights along edges of handles and highlighting the terminals. This jar is one of a very few surviving examples of stoneware bearing a hand-incised signature by a member of the Bissett family of potters, based out of the important early American potting center of Old Bridge, New Jersey. It may serve as a basis for attribution of unsigned pieces produced by this family, of which numerous examples are believed to exist. Interestingly, the three petaled floral motif on the reverse can be related to early examples of Richmond, VA stoneware, which were influenced by the New York and New Jersey style. A wide, in-the-firing crack on one side with thinner cracks extending off from it. A second large in-the-firing separation from rim on reverse, visible on interior and partially visible on exterior, primarily as a thin recessed line. A 3" hairline from rim on side of jar. In-the-firing surface horizontal surface lines at base, not visible on interior. Rim secured with a wire. H 15 1/2".