Exceptional Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Large Cobalt Bird-in-Wreath Decoration, Stamped "M. & T. MILLER / NEWPORT, PA.," circa 1870, ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a brushed design of a bird with cobalt-highlighted wing, perched at the center of an elaborate wreath. Unusual vertically-striped brushwork above. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark, capacity mark, and handle terminals. Among the most significant recent discoveries in Central Pennsylvania stoneware, exhibiting the Miller brothers' extravagant use of cobalt slip decoration. Relatively few bird-decorated pieces from this highly-prized maker are known. Provenance: A recently-surfaced example. Three rim chips on exterior, the longest measuring 7/8". A 1 1/4" chip to interior of rim and other small chips to interior of rim. Two in-the-firing chips (stacker scars) on underside of jar along edge, measuring 1 1/8" and 13/16". A 5/8" in-the-firing stone ping to left side of jar's front, which is glazed over, along with two tiny pings above. A salt drip to right side of jar. Some minor fry to base of decoration. H 12 13/16".
