Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Squat-Formed Stoneware Jar with Impressed Decoration, Stamped "COMMERAWS / STONEWARE / N. YORK," Thomas Commeraw, Manhattan, NY, circa 1805, bowl-shaped, ovoid jar with pronounced foot, tooled shoulder, flared collar, and open loop handles; decorated on the front and reverse with five impressed and cobalt-highlighted drape-and-tassel motifs. Front impressed with the cobalt-highlighted maker's mark, "COMMERAWS." Reverse impressed with the cobalt-highlighted words, "STONEWARE / N. YORK." Brushed cobalt highlights to handle terminals. One of only two Commeraw jars that we have seen potted in this exceptional form. Possibly made for use on a ship or buggy in a shape that would keep it from tipping. Other possibilities include a punch bowl or use in the storage or dispensation of a specific type of food or liquid. Commeraw, the first African-American pottery owner, is the subject of a recently-published book by Brandt Zipp as well as a traveling exhibition, entitled "Crafting Freedom: The Life and Legacy of Free Black Potter Thomas W. Commeraw," held at the New-York Historical Society and Fenimore Art Museum. Literature: Illustrated in Zipp, Commeraw's Stoneware: The Life and Work of the First African-American Pottery Owner, pg. 99. Flaking on exterior and heavy flaking on interior. Base chips. Two small rim chips and two minor rim nicks. A thin 4 1/2" crack to underside, forming a 2" Y at base. A small in-the-firing surface chip to shoulder. H 9" ; Diam. 10 1/4".
