Rare One-Gallon Incised Stoneware Jug w/ Large Incised Bird Decoration

Fall 2021 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 300

Price Realized: $660.00

($550 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.

Fall 2021 Auction Catalog

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Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Large Incised Bird Decoration, Northeastern U.S. origin, early 19th century, narrow-bodied, ovoid jug with footed base and tooled spout, decorated with a large, incised and cobalt-highlighted design of a long-necked bird with upswept tail, standing on a stylized ground. The design includes folky incised wavy line details throughout the bird's body, a ring at the bird's neck, and two dots at the end its split tail. Brushed cobalt highlights to handle terminals. The decoration's size, detail, and bold use of cobalt slip are compelling, as is the jug's slender form and unusual spout construction. Heavy chipping to base. Areas of fine-grained exfoliation to surface. A long thin crack extending from shoulder on right side of jug to area below handle, upward to shoulder on left side of jug and downward through decoration, stopping around jug's midsection. This crack includes a narrow 7/8" flake at the shoulder. A second crack runs along the bottom edge of the jug and continues 3 1/2" up the base of the jug's right side. A shallow 3/4" chip to top of spout and other minor chipping to spout. In-the-firing iron pings to surface. H 14".