Extremely Rare and Important Stoneware Pig Flask attrib. Macquoid Pottery, Manhattan

Summer 2021 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 142

Price Realized: $2,280.00

($1,900 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.

Summer 2021 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Pig Flask, Inscribed "Old Rye in a," attributed to William Macquoid, Manhattan, NY, circa 1870, large-sized, molded flask in the form of a reclining pig with hole in rear, impressed eyes, incised mouth, and applied features. Inscribed in brushed cobalt with the inscription, "Old Rye in a," followed by a hand pointing to the rear of the pig. Additional cobalt highlights to eyes, ears, tail, and testicles. This form was molded from a local New York glass example and includes distinctive Macquoid penmanship, firmly attributing it to this Manhattan stoneware manufactory. The pig flask form, while common to the Midwestern United States, is both very rare among Eastern potteries and previously undocumented in Macquoid's work, making this discovery noteworthy to the history of New York City's stoneware industry. Losses to tips of ears. Chip to snout. Two chips to one leg. Shallow kiln scars to two other feet. A very minor in-the-firing contact mark to spout. L 8 1/4".