Very Rare Small-Sized Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug w/ Incised Inscription, possibly Dave, Edgefield District, SC

Spring 2021 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 59

Price Realized: $1,680.00

($1,400 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 3 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. If you're interested in having us sell a similar item for you, please contact us here.

Spring 2021 Auction Catalog

◀︎ Back to Catalog

▶ Login

Very Rare Small-Sized Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug with Incised Inscription, Southern U.S. origin, probably Edgefield, SC, possibly Dave, circa 1830-1855, ovoid jug with stepped spout and arching strap handle, the surface covered in a mottled gray to dark-olive alkaline glaze. Underside incised prior to firing with the inscription, "26 m / 2 ch / love / D." The cryptic writing on this jug may refer to an order that was placed, as other numerical notations can be found on pieces produced elsewhere throughout the country. Another possibility is that some of the writing refers to a date, the "26 m" being an abbreviation for 26 "March" or "May." The penmanship is in many ways consistent with the hand of the enslaved Edgefield potter, Dave. The lower case "m" in the first line is strikingly similar to that see in his "Lm" inscriptions. The word "love" is also similar to the penmanship on his signature, "Dave," as the "ove" is an adjoined group of letters in a script syle related to the "ave" in "Dave." The capital "D" at the base of the inscription is also somewhat consistent with the "D" in his signature, the initial on this jug possibly serving as an abbreviation of "Dave." While the possibility exists that Dave was attempting to sign this jug with his entire first name, with the signature ending up appearing more like the word "love" than "Dave," the lack of a curved front to the "l" (which would form a "D") is obvious. As the jug clearly reads "love" with a possible initial, "D," below, there is the fascinating chance that this piece was made as a gift from Dave to a significant person in his life. Edgefield's prolific use of enslaved African-American labor leads to a strong possibility that this vessel was made and inscribed by an enslaved potter, Dave or otherwise. Potentially a highly important discovery. Provenance: A recently-surfaced work, originally found in Union, SC about fifteen years ago. A 7/8" loss to spout on reverse/side. Two minor spout nicks. A 5/8" in-the-firing surface flake to reverse. H 7 1/2".