Extremely Rare Copper-Decorated Redware Bowl, attributed to Christopher Alexander Haun, Greene County, TN, mid 19th century, with rounded sides, footed base, and flattened rim, the lead-glazed exterior decorated with draped copper brushstrokes. Interior with clear lead glaze. Shoulder decorated with a coggled geometric design featuring a fence, a seven-pointed star with diamond-shaped border, a stylized star or flower blossom, and a stylized tulip plant with long roots and dramatically-scrolled leaves. The first bowl by Haun that we have seen, this work features the potter's distinctive use of heavy-handed copper brushwork and coggled geometric decoration. Haun was a Union sympathist during the Civil War, famous for his burning of a Confederate railroad bridge on nearby Lick Creek in the Fall of 1861. After being captured weeks later by Confederate troops, he was ordered to be hanged. Before his execution, Haun sent a letter to his wife to sell his pottery-making tools and stake a claim on a copper mine that he frequented to create decoration for his pottery (as seen on this bowl). A significant recent discovery in Tennessee pottery. Provenance: Recently surfaced in NC. Heavy wear to interior. Wear to rim and foot. Two areas of exfoliation to underside of rim. Some light scattered exfoliation to one side of exterior. A top-to-bottom crack from rim, extending 1 3/4" onto underside. Diam. 8 3/8" ; H 3 3/8".
