Outstanding Slip-Decorated Redware Lidded Sugar Jar, attributed to the Loy or Albright Families, Alamance County, NC, late 18th century, ovoid jar with footed base, slightly- flared rim, and horizontal open-strap handles, exuberantly-decorated around the body with three bands of different slip-trailed motifs in copper, red, and cream-colored slip over manganese slip. Upper body with vertically-trailed copper cyma curves separated by cream and red lines. Midsection with vertical, graduated trails in copper-and-cream and red-and-cream forming stylized foliate motifs. Base with classical, inverted drape-and-tassel motif in copper, cream, and red slip, underscored by a series of copper swags. The three bands of designs are separated by red or red-and-cream horizontal stripes. Handles decorated with alternating trails of red and cream slip. Original domed lid with matching glaze treatment, decorated with alternating trails of red and cream slip flanking a wavy trail of copper slip, applied over a manganese slip ground. Exterior and interior covered in a clear lead glaze, the interior, which lacks a slip coating, revealing the yellowish-orange clay of the vessel. Known for their stylish forms and over-the-top application of multi-colored slips, the sugar jars of Alamance County, North Carolina rank among the most striking and heavily-decorated examples of redware produced in early America. This work, surviving in strong condition for the region and even retaining its original lid, is the finest example from this potting tradition that we have ever offered. Provenance: A recently-surfaced work, which descended in a North Carolina family. Jar with base chips, a 1" glaze flake to shoulder, other small glaze flakes, and surface wear. Chips to edge of lid and flange on underside of lid. H 10 1/8".
