Outstanding Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Incised and Impressed Potted Urn Decoration, Stamped "N. CLARK & CO. / LYONS," New York State origin, circa 1840, ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, squared rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with an incised, impressed, and cobalt-highlighted design of flowers and grapes emanating from an urn. The entire design is imaginatively and artistically-rendered with the pedestal-based urn featuring open handles, a gadrooned belly, impressed circles at the shoulder, and crosshatching to the rim, resting on a slab base with additional crosshatched incising. The vegetation emanating from the urn include a grape vine and flower blossom composed of impressed circles, a tulip, grasses, and a large central sunflower or daisy. Incised and cobalt-highlighted flower petals adorn the handle terminals on the front of the jar, each emanating from an impressed circle. Freehand "3" to shoulder. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark. Among the most finely-decorated examples of Lyons stoneware that we have offered, exhibiting brilliant color. The amount of time involved in creating this work indicates it was most likely a presentation piece. A large, thin X-shaped crack under left handle. A small in-the-firing ping to rim above right handle and a small ping near base on reverse. Light exfoliation to base on reverse. A small chip to reverse of left handle. A few small rim chips. Jar does not sit perfectly flat. Some water glass staining to interior. H 11".
