Exceptional Four-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "JOHN BURGER. ROCHESTER," NY State origin, circa 1860, semi-ovoid churn with applied lug handles and semi-rounded rim, decorated with a large and artistic slip-trailed design of a flowering plant. The design, standing an impressive 10 1/2" tall, has a three-dimensionality rarely conveyed in American stoneware decoration outside of the Rochester tradition. Heavy striping to the edges of the flower's petals create the effect that they are curving and a heavily-crosshatched rear petal, overlapped by a scallop-edged petal in the front, gives depth to the design. A spiraled embellishment forms the center of the blossom. Additional striping appears on the leaves and a slip-trailed "4" above denotes the capacity. Cobalt slip highlights the maker's mark. Includes Albany-slip-glazed lid. Among the finest floral-decorated churns by John Burger that we have ever offered, this work combines exceptional size, color, and detail to the design. Provenance: Ex-Collection Bruce and Vicki Waasdorp, Clarence, NY. A thin, sealed 15" crack to one side, ascending from base. A thin, sealed 7 1/2" crack to midsection on reverse. A large, thin sealed Y-shaped crack on underside, part of which extends 6" up reverse of churn at base. Wear to inner rim for lid. Lid in excellent condition with a small edge chip. H (excluding lid) 17 3/4".
