Monumental Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Urn with Chicken Pecking Corn, Bird, and Foliate Motifs, attributed to New York Stoneware Co., Fort Edward, NY, circa 1875, skillfully-potted, ovoid form with flared rim, applied ring handles, and concave molding to midsection, seated atop a narrow pedestal base with flared and tooled foot. Decorated around the belly of the urn with two slip-trailed chicken pecking corn designs and two bird-on-leaf designs, both signature motifs from the New York Stoneware Company of Fort Edward, NY. Top of urn decorated with a brushed foliate spray, also typical of this manufactory, on the front and reverse. The urn's impressive ring handles are flanked by slip-trailed wreath decorations and include additional wreaths on the rings themselves. The cooler's base features dramatic slip-trailed leaves and banding around the foot and a bird-on-leaf and foliate motifs to the midsection. Standing thirty-four inches tall, it ranks among the tallest examples of American stoneware that we have ever offered. The urn itself was thrown in two sections and joined. The base was thrown and fired separately. Four incised slash marks on the bottom of the urn and interior of the pedestal indicate at least four sets of urns with corresponding bases were made at the time. This set is believed to be the only survivor. A masterwork of both form and decoration, it is among the greatest examples of 19th century American stoneware intended for outdoor use. Molding at base of urn itself with large loss and chipping. Heavy chipping around top of pedestal, mostly concealed when the urn is placed on it. A few cracks descending from rim to shoulder of urn. A 2 3/4" x 2 1/4" flake to interior of rim, creating a small hole visible above one handle. Other lesser chipping to interior and top of rim. A 2 1/2" Y-shaped line to belly of urn. Some spots of fry to cobalt. H 34".
