Rare J. SWANN / ALEXA (John Swann, Alexandria, VA) Stoneware Jar

Summer 2020 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 41

Price Realized: $660.00

($550 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 4 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. If you're interested in having us sell a similar item for you, please contact us here.

Summer 2020 Auction Catalog

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Very Rare One-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jar, Stamped "J. SWANN / ALEXA," Alexandria, VA origin, circa 1820, ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, rounded rim, and arched tab handles, decorated on the front and reverse shoulder with a stylized floral motif depicting flower buds emanating from pairs of leaves. Cobalt highlights to handle terminals. It is believed that Swann began cobalt-decorating his ware in 1819, as suggested by a local newspaper advertisement that announced "a great improvement to his ware." Signed Swann stoneware in general is considered rare and cobalt-decorated examples exceptionally rare. Only the third cobalt-decorated work by Swann that we have ever offered, this jar features a desirable one-gallon size and superb color. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, which recently surfaced in Maryland. A 4 1/2" x 3 1/2" reglued wedge on right side / reverse of jar, which include a reglued 1 1/4" flake on interior, a surface chip to exterior, and a small rim chip. This damage includes a diagonal surface line, not visible on the interior, extending to the left of the wedge and a thin crack descending below the chip on exterior. Additionally, chips to right handle and two small base chips.