Exceedingly Rare and Important Slip-Decorated Redware Bottle, New England origin, probably Charlestown, MA, 18th century, highly-ovoid form with footed base, tall neck, and finely-tooled spout, decorated in cream-colored slip on the top and sides of the spout with slip-trailed wavy stripes and S-shaped devices. Further decorated below in cream-colored slip with spots applied with the potter's fingertip along with crossing sinuous trails, all separated by bands of slip. Surface covered in a heavy lead glaze over a mottled orange and olive ground with bright-orange spotting throughout. This bottle is closely-related to the few surviving examples of slip-decorated redware produced during the 18th century in Charlestown, MA, as well as sherds excavated from the city's Great House / Three Cranes Tavern site. Important in its age, origin, and dramatic use of slip decoration, this work is also significant in its stylish and extremely rare form, modeled after imported glass onion bottles of the period. Among the finest examples of New England redware that we have ever offered, combining decorative value with historical significance. The state of preservation of this bottle, a possibly 250-year-old ceramic work, is remarkable. Provenance: Recently discovered in Vermont. Excellent condition with a small chip and tiny flakes to top of spout, as well as an in-the-firing contact mark to shoulder and base. Bottle retains what appears to be its original cork. H 12".
