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 jar's specific 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. The piece's distinctive form and glaze relate it to works produced by the Gast family of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Frederick Leitzinger of Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Marked Central Pennsylvania redware is exceedingly rare, this example produced at one of the premiere potteries in the entire region. To date, only a handful of marked George Miller redware pieces have surfaced. Very nice condition with areas of light wear to relief decoration, edges of jar, interior of rim, and base. Exterior of rim with a minor chip and a minuscule amount of wear. H 9".
