Ornate Open-Handled Stoneware Water Cooler w/ Applied Decoration, probably Hastings & Belding, Ashfield, Mass.

Summer 2023 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 251

Price Realized: $660.00

($550 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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Rare Lidded Stoneware Water Cooler with Molded Decoration, probably Hastings and Belding, Ashfield, MA, mid 19th century, ovoid form with flaring rim, two ribbed open handles, and circular bunghole, decorated with a molded, applied, and cobalt-highlighted design of a scroll flanked by two flowers and various scrolled leaves. Handles decorated with cobalt highlights along the front and reverse edges and surrounding the lower terminal. Original slightly-domed lid features molded, applied, and cobalt-highlighted floral motifs interspersed with molded stars within circles, the knob brush-decorated with a stylized cobalt flower blossom. Cooler with a 2 1/2" Y-shaped surface line below one handle, a 2 1/4" cross-shaped surface line to right of other handle, and a 5 1/2" horizontal Y-shaped surface line near base on reverse, all not visible on interior; additionally some spots of staining, small chips to interior of rim, two minor base chips, and a long thin, in-the-firing loss around much of bottom edge, which is partially glazed over, created when the cooler attached to something during the firing. Lid with small chips to edge and flange on underside, a 4" hairline from edge, and a 2" Y-shaped line to flange. H (including lid) 17 1/2".