Very Rare T. CRAFTS & CO. / WHATELY Stoneware Water Cooler w/ Incised Bird

Fall 2022 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 296

Price Realized: $6,600.00

($5,500 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 2 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. If you're interested in having us sell a similar item for you, please contact us here.

Auction Highlight: Fall 2022 Auction | New England Stoneware | Incised Stoneware | Massachusetts Stoneware

Fall 2022 Auction Catalog

◀︎ Back to Catalog

▶ Login

Very Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Water Cooler with Incised Bird Decoration, Stamped "T. CRAFTS & CO. / WHATELY," MA origin, circa 1833-1848, highly-ovoid form with circular bunghole, thin rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with an incised and cobalt-highlighted design of a ring-necked bird with heavily-detailed wing and body. Reverse with large brushed floral decoration. Cobalt highlights to bunghole, maker's mark, capacity mark, and handle terminals. Includes domed lid (possibly original) with brushed highlights and S-shaped decoration. Both the decoration and form of this work are highly unusual for this maker. A thin 7 1/2" crack from rim. A 1" rim chip on reverse. A 4" diagonal hairline from rim on front. A 3" hairline from rim on side of cooler, extending through one handle. An original recessed edge at the base of the cooler indicates it was made to sit in a separate pedestal base. H (excluding lid) 12".