Exceedingly Rare and Important Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Impressed Decoration, Stamped "D. MORGAN / N. YORK," David Morgan, Corlears Hook, Manhattan, NY, circa 1800, ovoid jar with footed base, tooled shoulder, and open loop handles, decorated on the front and reverse with an impressed and cobalt-highlighted drape-and-tassel motif in the manner of Corlears Hook contemporary, Thomas Commeraw. Impressed on the front with the cobalt-highlighted maker's mark, "D. MORGAN," and on the reverse with the city of origin, "N. YORK." Brushed cobalt highlights to handle terminals. Signed David Morgan stoneware of any kind is considered very rare. When found, his marked ware typically reads, "DAVID MORGAN / NEW YORK," and is decorated with a descending series of impressed swags with heart-shaped tassels interspersed. Pieces bearing this earlier stamp and decoration are considered exceptionally rare, with only a few surviving examples known. As with Commeraw's earliest and best work, this jar features particularly fine clay and bold cobalt slip. Among Morgan's greatest known works and one of the most outstanding examples of signed Manhattan stoneware to come to auction in years. Excellent condition with minor rim and base chips, a 1 3/8" in-the-firing contact mark to reverse, an in-the-firing depressed area to rim on front, and some faint staining. H 12".
