Exceedingly Rare and Important Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Cup, Edgefield District, SC origin, circa 1855-1870, thinly-potted, ovoid form with flared rim and applied strap handle, decorated with an applied clay face including bulging kaolin eyes, set within eyelids, a small nose with pinched sides and scored nostrils, C-scroll ears, and an open mouth bearing very large, deeply-carved kaolin teeth. Surface covered in an attractive, mottled-green alkaline glaze. Among the rarest and most expressive Edgefield face vessels that we have ever offered, this example is one of a small number of face-decorated cups known from the region. The wide mouth and very large teeth on this example are noteworthy, creating an undeniably striking countenance that draws the attention of the viewer. This detail gains more significance when one considers the form involved, as several of the surviving Edgefield face cups are more simplistically modeled. Of the handful of Edgefield face cups known, this work certainly ranks among the very best. One of the most important discoveries in the genres of Edgefield stoneware and American ceramic face vessels of the past several years. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignor years ago in New York State. Excellent overall condition for a form that is routinely found with in-the-firing losses or damage from use. The condition is as-made with an in-the-firing loss to one ear. (A small amount of glaze over the unglazed area where the ear was applied indicates this damage occurred during the firing.) No cracks or chips. H 4 1/8" ; Diam. (across top) 3 1/8".
