Exceedingly Rare and Important Stoneware Inkwell with Profuse Cobalt Floral Decoration, attributed to David Parr, Sr., Baltimore, MD, circa 1825, cylindrical form with footed base, tooled accents, and raised spout with rounded mouth, the top pierced with three quill holes. Circumference of inkwell lavishly-decorated with brushed tulips emanating from leafy stems. Top with heavy cobalt swag decoration surrounding the cobalt-highlighted spouts. Foot of inkwell decorated with a cobalt band. This inkwell is among the finest works known by the highly-influential Baltimore potter, David Parr, Sr., whose style radiated throughout the Mid-Atlantic and South during the second and third quarters of the 19th century. Parr is distinguished as one of the first American potters to decorate his ware with elaborately-brushed floral motifs, evidently recognizing the importance of artistry in making a saleable product. This inkwell typifies Parr's propensity for canvasing his work with cobalt slip and is one of a relative few examples of 19th century American stoneware that may actually feature more brushed cobalt than undecorated clay ground. One of only two Parr inkwells of this style recorded and likely the finer of the two, this example is also among the earliest cobalt-decorated examples of the form known in Southern stoneware production. Excellent, essentially as-made condition with a tiny bit of adhered clay to shoulder and some light spalling to the heavily-applied cobalt slip at the spout. H 2 3/8" ; Diameter 3 1/4".
