Extremely Rare Four-Gallon Baltimore Stoneware Pitcher
Fall 2020 Stoneware Auction
Lot #: 120
Exceedingly Rare Four-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt Clover Decoration, Baltimore, MD origin, circa 1870, ovoid pitcher with semi-rounded rim and tooling to collar and shoulder, decorated with a large split-stemmed clover plant motif extending up the front. Additional split-stemmed clover motif to spout and individual clovers brushed on each side of the collar. Cobalt highlights to handle terminals. Impressed "4" on front. The brushed clover motif of Baltimore, Maryland is the most distinctive and easily-recognizable trait of its local stoneware tradition. Numerous pitchers exist bearing this classic design. This monumental work, however, is the only four-gallon Baltimore clover-decorated pitcher that we have seen. Likely specially-ordered for use in a hotel, other large place of business, or farm, the sheer weight of this vessel when full of liquid would make it difficult to lift when pouring. Literature: Illustrated in Kille, "Distinguishing Marks and Flowering Designs: Baltimore's Utilitarian Stoneware Industry," Ceramics in America 2005, fig. 52. Excellent, essentially as-made condition with some shallow, in-the-firing chipping to top of rim and an in-the-firing contact mark to front. The fact that a pitcher of this size survived without any damage during use is noteworthy. H 15 1/2".
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