Rare Glazed Stoneware Face Jug with Rutile, Stamped "BROWN POTTERY," Arden, NC origin, circa 1930, highly-ovoid jug with applied clay face, including pierced eyes, pointed nose with carved nostrils, open mouth with china teeth, eyebrows, and C-scroll ears with pierced centers. Underside impressed with small "BROWN POTTERY" maker's mark and incised "47." Surface covered in a chocolate-brown Albany slip glaze with unusual splash of rutile (titanium dioxide) to the spout and face, creating a mottled bluish-white and tan coloration. This face jug is among the finer Brown Pottery examples that we have offered, potted in a rare, highly ovoid form, with a larger capacity than most of this type known. During this period, the Browns usually potted their face jugs in a less-dramatic, semi-ovoid form. This jug is also the first example that we have offered featuring rutile decoration. The unusual characteristics of this vessel suggest it may have been a specially-produced work. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, consigned from Georgia. Very nice condition with a minor spout chip and shallow chipping to ears. H 8 1/4".
