Exceedingly Rare and Important Vertical-Handled Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Drape Decoration, Incised "H K," Hanteel Kemple, Ringoes, Hunterdon County, NJ, circa 1790, ovoid jar with footed base, heavily-tooled shoulder, and open vertical handles, decorated on the front and reverse with a brushed drape motif. One side deeply incised with the large initials, "H K." Cobalt highlights to handle terminals. Made by the grandson of Ringoes pottery founder, John Peter Kemple, this jar is the only signed example of Kemple family pottery that we are aware of. Its initialed signature relates this work to a few other highly important 18th century stoneware objects: an Adam States, Sr. spouted vessel and miniature jug, and a John Crolius, Sr. jug, dated 1775, the latter prominently displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing. As the Kemples are considered one of the founding families of the American cobalt-decorated stoneware tradition, this recent discovery can be regarded among the most significant 18th century American ceramic objects to come to auction in years. Provenance: Recently surfaced in the Flemington, NJ area. Excellent condition with wear to bottom edge. H 8".
