Extremely Rare Small-Sized Manhattan Stoneware Incised Bird Jug, probably David Morgan, late 18th / early 19th century

Summer 2023 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 20

Price Realized: $2,400.00

($2,000 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.

Summer 2023 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Small-Sized Stoneware Jug with Incised Bird Decoration, probably David Morgan, Manhattan, NY origin, late 18th or early 19th century, finely-potted ovoid jug with rounded foot, heavily-tooled spout, and ribbed handle, the front decorated with a large incised bird with detailed wing, perched on a stylized scallop-edged ground. Decoration filled with dark cobalt slip. Additional cobalt highlights around handle terminals. Attributes of the incised bird design on this jug closely resemble those found on the only known signed David Morgan piece with incised bird motif. Manhattan stoneware jugs of this size are quite rare, and those decorated with incised designs other than abstract leaves or flowers are highly unusual. This example measures approximately one-half-gallon. Provenance: Denlinger Auctions Sale of the George & Helen Van Kennen Collection, April 13, 1985. A 7/8" shallow base chip on reverse. An approximately 4 1/2" x 4" Y-shaped hairline to reverse/side. Some tight lines/crazing to surface, typical of early Manhattan stoneware, which very likely occurred in-the-firing. A 3/8" stone ping on reverse, typical of early Northeastern U.S. stoneware. H 9 1/2".