Extremely Rare Large-Sized Stoneware Native-American Face Pipe, Inscribed "the last of the Noble Modocs. B Kirk Anna Ills", Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna Pottery, Anna, IL, circa 1873, large-sized, wheel-thrown pipe bowl with attached stem, decorated with a modeled clay face of an American Indian chief in headdress. The face is rendered with remarkable, anatomical detail, characteristic of the Kirkpatrick brothers' best work, including well-developed cheek bones, wrinkles flanking the mouth, a finely-sculpted nose with nostrils, pierced ears, and incised hair. The figure's headdress is incised with an elaborate crosshatched pattern overlain with drapes. A band around the base of the headdress reads, "the last of the Noble modocs. B Kirk. Anna Ills." The stem of the pipe includes heavy gadrooning around the mouth and applied acanthus leaf decoration throughout, accented with incised veining. Crosshatched decoration appears on the upper neck of the pipe's stem. The reverse of the stem is incised, "Modoc." Faint traces of paint are visible on the surface. This pipe is one of two known Anna examples (and the finer-conditioned of the two), which reference the Modoc War between the Native-American Modoc Tribe and United States Army. This conflict took place in the lava beds of California in 1872-1873, and resulted in the murders of U.S. General Edward Canby and Reverend Eleazer Thomas, and the executions of Modoc chief, Kintpuash, also known as "Captain Jack," and three of his warriors. It is believed that the face sculpted on the two known pipes represents Captain Jack. Both Anna Modoc pipes can be considered among the very finest American ceramic pipes known, distinguished by their detailed and expressive modeling, elaborate incising, and very large size. The "B. Kirk" inscribed on this example likely refers to Cornwall Kirkpatrick's daughter, Amy "Birdie" Kirkpatrick (1862-1935). This lot includes a custom-built modern stand, which is seen in the photos. Excellent, essentially as-made condition. H 5".
