Outstanding Five-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Elaborate Cobalt Woman Feeding Chickens Scene, Stamped "WM A MACQUOID & CO. / POTTERY WORKS / LITTLE 12TH ST / NEW YORK," circa 1870, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a brushed scene of a well-dressed woman with necklace and broad-brimmed hat, pulling seed from her pocket and feeding a flock of chickens. This decoration includes a total of six chickens artistically-rendered in various states of animation, including a large rooster engaging the woman for food, two smaller hens in feeding postures, and three other excited chickens flying in to feed. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and capacity mark. William Macquoid's abilities as a decorator are evidenced in this wonderful figural design, teeming with vitality and motion, reminiscent of a 19th century pastoral painting. This iconic design was copied on occasion by late 20th century potter, Robert Diebboll, on his popular reproduction stoneware pieces. It is among the most elaborate decorations known by this important Manhattan maker. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, from a Philadelphia area collection, acquired decades ago. Significant restoration to surface of reverse and sides, extending onto base area of front. The restoration includes significant painted restoration to the woman's legs, scattered touch-up to her dress, significant painted restoration to the chickens' legs and ground cover below the chickens and the woman, as well as a touch-up to the woman's hand and edge of flowering plant behind her. Some exfoliation to underside and a 3 1/2" crack to underside, not visible on interior. H 12".
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