Extremely Rare Glazed Redware Jar with Relief Figural Decoration, Stamped "JUNIATA POTTERY / BY / G.M. MILLER," Newport, PA origin, mid 19th century, molded, four-sided jar with canted corners, each side with paneled, relief decoration of Diana the huntress, reaching for an arrow from its quiver with one hand and subduing a stag beside a stump with the other. Surface covered in a reddish-brown lead-and-manganese glaze with lighter mottling throughout. Underside impressed with large "JUNIATA POTTERY / BY / G.M. MILLER" maker's mark. Diana, literally translated as "divine" or "heavenly," is the Roman goddess of the hunt, the moon, and birthing. This particular rendering of Diana was likely based on the Diana of Versailles, a Roman marble statue made in the 1st or 2nd century AD, in the collection of the Musee de Louvre in Paris, which has been copied by numerous artists. As classical themes were popular during the 19th century, even among country potters, the Diana-with-stag motif is found in the work of other 19th century American ceramic manufacturers producers, including the Hart pottery of Sherburne, New York and the Kirkpatrick brothers of Anna, Illinois. This jar is one of a few signed pieces known by George Miller, father of famous Newport potting duo, Michael and Theophilus Miller. The business name, Juniata Pottery, was carried on by the Miller brothers after their father retired. Its distinctive form and glaze relate it to works produced by the Gast family of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Frederick Leitzinger of Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Central Pennsylvania redware signed with an impressed maker's mark is exceedingly rare, this example produced at one of the premiere potteries in the entire region. It is closely-related to a smaller signed jar with stylized decoration within an oval, lot 266 in Crocker Farm's Summer 2021 auction. The two jars represent the only examples of George Miller's work that we have ever offered. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, acquired by the consignor eight years ago in New Jersey. Restored 3/4" hole in underside. A faint 1" hairline from rim. A 2 1/2" diagonal hairline near base. One rim chip. Two small chips to shoulder molding. Various wear to edges, rim, and high points. H 9".
