Extremely Rare Painted Redware Apple-Form Cider Cooler, Inscribed "BALDWIN'S CIDER," American, late 19th century, large-sized cooler in the form of an apple with cylindrical spout and applied twig handle featuring a sinuous, forked terminal bearing three molded leaves. Rustic bark surface to handle and spout. Leaves with raised veining and serrated edges. Base with semi-circular bunghole, incised "PAT APLIED(sic) FOR." Old polychrome-painted surface in various shades of red, green, brown, and yellow. Painted inscription, "BALDWIN'S CIDER," in black and gold on front. A visually-stunning and creative work, this cooler is one of only two examples of its kind that we are aware of, the other previously-owned by legendary folk art collector, Barry Cohen. Literature: A closely-related work, at the time in the folk art collection of Barry Cohen, New York, NY, is illustrated and discussed in Reif, "Just Plain Folk: The Art of Everyday Objects," New York Times, June 17, 1990. The article focused on the sale of Cohen's collection in 1990. Reif writes, "The rarest object in the exhibition is an apple-shaped cider cooler, a redware precursor of Pop Art standing more than 16" tall. . . the price in the show- $17,500." Excellent condition with a tiny chip to spout and some expected wear to paint. H 17 1/2" ; Diam. 15".
