Rare and Exceptional MARTIN CRAFTS / BOSTON Stoneware Jar w/ Elaborate Slip-Trailed Bird Design

July 20, 2019 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 1

Price Realized: $17,700.00

($15,000 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.

July 20, 2019 Auction Catalog

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Exceptional Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Cobalt Bird and Floral Decoration, Stamped "MARTIN CRAFTS / BOSTON", MA origin, circa 1855, cylindrical jar with tooled shoulder, applied lug handles, and semi-rounded rim, lavishly-decorated with a large bird perched on a flowering vine. The decoration is executed with a high level of artistry, including profuse striped trails to the head and breast, V-shaped trails to the wing, and sharp, pointed trails to the splayed tail. The vine on which the bird sits features thickly scrolled leaves and large, oval blossoms, each embellished with striped details and protruding stamens. Shoulder impressed with rare "MARTIN CRAFTS / BOSTON" maker's mark above a two-gallon capacity mark, both highlighted in cobalt slip. Among the most intricate bird designs from New England that we have ever offered. The work of this highly-skilled decorator can also be traced to the J. & E. Norton Pottery of Bennington, VT and William E. Warner Pottery of West Troy, NY. This as-yet-unidentified artist has a flair for the dramatic and an amazing competence in manipulating the flow of the slip cup. Very nice condition with generally minor flaws. A base chip on side of jar and other minor base wear. Wear and shallow chipping to inner rim for lid. Two minor nicks to interior of rim. Two minor chips and tiny nick to right handle. A 3/4" piece of in-the-firing clay adhered to surface under right handle. A very faint 4" surface line to far right side of jar, not visible on interior. A minuscule in-the-firing iron ping to front. Some staining.