Extremely Rare Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Rabbit Decoration, Stamped "F. STETZENMEYER. / ROCHESTER. N.Y.," circa 1855, ovoid jar with applied lug handles and tooling to shoulder and rim, decorated with an artistic slip-trailed scene depicting a standing rabbit atop a grassy ground with pine tree. Rabbit features elaborate striped and spotted details in the Rochester style. Slip-trailed "4" above. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark. Frederick Stetzenmeyer stoneware is regarded as some of the finest produced in 19th century America, prized for its skillfully-rendered floral, bird, and animal motifs. Few animal designs are known from this pottery. This jar is perhaps the most iconic rabbit-decorated vessel in all of American stoneware and one of Stetzenmeyer's most famous works. We are aware of no other rabbit-decorated pieces produced in Rochester's rich 19th century potting industry. Provenance: Ex-John Morgan Collection, Pike, NY. Professional restoration to exfoliation on an approximately 3/4" section of rabbit's back, a 1/8" area above back, an approximately 5/8" x 1/2" section of rabbit's midsection, a 1/4" spot of rabbit's body below, and an approximately 1" area involving the rabbit's front leg. A tiny nick to reverse end of one handle. Spots of light staining. H 12 3/4".
