Exceedingly Rare and Important Two-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Decoration of an African-American Man's Bust, Stamped "HAXSTUN, OTTMAN & CO. / FORT EDWARD N.Y.," circa 1875, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a brushed folk art profile of an African-American man's bust. Design includes incised sgraffito details to the hair and teeth, and a curving incised line forming the figure's ear. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and capacity mark. Very few decorations depicting people of African descent are known in 19th century American stoneware production, the majority having been produced in Edgefield, SC circa 1840-1850. This crock is the only example with such a design that we have seen produced in New York State. A striking image, created through its bold massing of cobalt and use of negative space for the eye, creating a piercing, head-on stare to the figure. Provenance: Ex-John Gordon Gallery; Ex-Harvey and Isobel Kahn Collection. Some flaking to base, heavier on reverse, where it extends to midsection. Some staining. A long, horizontal surface crack at base, which is glazed over and not visible on the interior. A few minor horizontal surface fissures, not visible on interior. H 9 5/8".
