Rare D. Williams / Poughkeepsie Stoneware Jug

Spring 2023 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 405

Price Realized: $3,480.00

($2,900 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: The American ceramics market frequently changes, often dramatically. 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.

Spring 2023 Auction Catalog

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Rare Two-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jug with Incised Notation, Stamped "D. WILLIAMS / POUGHKEEPSIE," NY State origin, early 19th century, ovoid jug footed base and heavily-tooled spout, incised with at the shoulder with the inscription "92 1/2," the meaning of which is unknown. A flourish, possibly a script "P," to the right of the number may stand for "Poughkeepsie," the city where the jug was made. Cobalt brushwork to maker's mark and lower handle terminal. According to George Lukacs' book, Poughkeepsie Potters and the Plague, Durrell Williams established Poughkeepsie's earliest stoneware pottery in 1797 with a partner, James Egbert. He would later purchase the shop of William Carroll during the 1815-1820 time period, where he would establish his own individually-owned pottery. As discussed in Brandt Zipp's Commeraw's Stoneware: The Life and Work of the First African-American Pottery Owner, Williams is one of only a few potters identifiable as co-workers of Thomas W. Commeraw at the Potter's Hill complex in the mid-1790's. In the 1795 New York City directory, Williams appears as a resident of 19 Augustus Street, Commeraw of 29 Augustus Street; these buildings were located in the thick of the Crolius and Remmey shops. One of a small number of signed Williams stoneware pieces known, this work showcases the potter's Manhattan training, so similar is its form to that of the Croliuses and Remmeys. Provenance: Recently surfaced in the Midwestern U.S. Excellent condition with a small spout chip. H 13 1/4".