Extremely Rare Pair of Slip-Decorated Redware Jars, attributed to Solomon Bell, Strasburg, VA, circa 1850-1880, pair of wide-rimmed, ovoid jars with footed bases, curved lug handles, and incised arch decoration to shoulders. Surfaces dipped in yellowish slip, decorated in brushed manganese slip on the front and reverse with distinctive swag-and-hanging-flower motifs, and covered in clear lead glazes. Each were possibly designed as sugar jars, as the form closely follows that of a much-smaller sugar bowl. Both include a flange on the interior of the rim indicating they were likely made with lids. Glazed Solomon Bell redware, particularly those bearing freehand decoration, are quite rare. These jars are the only two of their kind that we are aware of in Shenandoah Valley pottery production. Literature: Illustrated in Rice and Stoudt, The Shenandoah Pottery. One in very nice condition with small glaze flakes to surface, as well as wear to edges of handles, and minor wear to inner rim for lid. Other with moderate glaze loss, wear to edges of handles, and minor wear and nicks to inner rim for lid. Dimensions (of taller): 7 1/2" x 7 1/2".
