Extremely Rare and Important Lidded Redware Jar with Elaborate Slip Foliate Decoration, New England origin, early 19th century, thin-walled, cylindrical jar with footed base, decorated around the body with four brushed manganese fern motifs under a clear lead glaze. Original domed lid features dashed manganese brushwork to the outer edge, swag decoration to the top, and a cross on the knob. Both the underside of the jar and the underside of the lid are incised with a vertical slash, possibly denoting the number "1". New England redware with slip decoration depicting actual subjects (leaves, flowers, figures, etc.) are unusual. This example, retaining its original lid and surviving in remarkable condition despite its delicate potting, is among the finest and most-artistically-decorated New England redware objects that we have ever offered. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, from a recently-surfaced Northeastern U.S. collection assembled decades ago. Christopher Huntington Sale, Harrison, Maine, 1974. Jar survives in strong condition with shallow chipping around base of jar and some very minor edge wear. Glazed surface survives in exceptional, essentially untouched condition. Lid with a 1 1/8" chip to flange on underside of lid, along with additional shallow chipping to flange, and a shallow 3/4" chip to top outer edge of rim. H (including lid) 11".
