Large-Sized Burlon Craig Face Jug (B.B. Craig / Vale, N.C.)

July 20, 2019 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 332

Price Realized: $944.00

($800 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

◀︎ Back to Catalog

▶ Login

Rare Early-Period Large-Sized Stoneware Face Jug with Alkaline Glaze, Stamped Twice "B.B. CRAIG / VALE, N.C.", circa 1975, approximately five-gallon, ovoid jug with flared spout, decorated with an applied clay face, including round, pierced eyes, applied and incised eyebrows, Roman nose, open mouth with china teeth, and highly unusual ears with diagonal cuts to the bottom of each. Surface covered in a blackish-brown alkaline glaze with rutile runs to shoulder. Underside impressed twice with Burlon Craig maker's mark. This work by Craig differs from the majority of face jugs produced in this size, indicating an earlier period of manufacture. It lacks the typical eyelids surrounding the eyes and the eyes feature large depressed pupils, usually absent on his face jugs. The diagonally-cut ear construction is also different. While his face jugs of this large capacity were usually made with two handles at the sides, this example is fashioned with a single handle on the reverse. Excellent, essentially as-made condition. H 19 3/4".