Outstanding Small-Sized Stoneware Pitcher with Profuse Incised Floral and Impressed Bird Decorations, attributed to Richard C. Remmey, Philadelphia, PA, circa 1890, ovoid, tankard-form pitcher with footed base and short, flared collar, decorated with an impressed and cobalt-highlighted design of a songbird, flanked by elaborate incised and cobalt-highlighted vines. Leaves of vines include scalloped edges and fine incised vein detail. Sides of pitcher further decorated with incised and cobalt-highlighted columns flanking an undulating vine. Cobalt stripe decoration to base of collar and base of pitcher. Circular cobalt highlights to handle terminals. Interior coated with Albany slip, which assumes a yellowish color near the pitcher's opening in response to its reaction with salt vapors from the firing, a trait characteristic of most Remmey/Philadelphia pieces. The pitcher's color, form, and incising indicate it was made at the Richard Clinton Remmey Pottery of Philadelphia, circa 1890. A noteworthy example of Remmey family stoneware with over-the-top decoration, unusual form, and petite size. This specially-made, time-consuming creation is also the first example of Remmey stoneware that we have seen featuring an impressed bird at the center. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, recently discovered at a tag sale in the Mid-Atlantic. Very nice condition. A 3/4" chip and 1 3/4" hairline from rim on left side of pitcher. Two faint 3/4" hairlines from rim on right side of pitcher reverse. A tiny chip on right side of pitcher and a minor in-the-firing iron ping to interior of spout, where it meets rim. A 1 1/2" surface line at base on reverse, continuing 2 1/4" along edge of underside, not visible on interior. A large salt drip to handle. H 7 5/8".
