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 striking, reddish-brown lead-and-manganese glaze with orange 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 having been produced at one of the premiere potteries in the entire region. One of only three George Miller redware jars that we have offered, this being the finest of the group in both condition and glaze. Excellent condition with a few rim chips, minor wear to edges, and a tiny glaze nick to tunic on one side. Jar retains a brilliant luster to the glaze. H 8 3/4".
