Rare and Important Six-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Inscribed "Decr. 4 1856 / Dave / Lm," David Drake at Lewis Miles's Stony Bluff Manufactory, Horse Creek Valley, Edgefield District, SC, 1856, rotund jar with arched lug handles and thin, semi-rounded rim, incised across the shoulder with the date and signature, "Decr. 4 1856 / Dave," along with the initials, "Lm," for Drake's enslaver, Lewis Miles. Two incised slash marks, a Drake hallmark, appear to the right of the inscription, along with two rows of three incised punctates, denoting the jar's six-gallon capacity. Surface covered in an olive-green alkaline glaze; an area of the surface remains unglazed, as made. Drake, an enslaved African-American potter, is regarded today as one of the most outstanding and historically significant artisans of 19th century America. Having learned the potter's trade during the 1810's and active until the years following his emancipation in 1865, Drake is known for challenging the social construct by inscribing his signature on his work. His best examples features rhyming couplets, offering insight into the artist's personality, opinions, and life under slavery. Noted even in his day for his proficiency as a potter, Drake produced some of 19th century America's largest wheel-thrown ceramic vessels. This work displays Drake's distinctive potting style and features a desirable combination of the artist's signature, date of manufacture, and initials for Lewis Miles. Provenance: A recently-surfaced example, which descended in the family of the consignor. A 3 3/4" flake to rim on reverse. Two vertical lines ascending from base on side of jar, measuring 4 1/2" and 1 1/2". A minor flake to shoulder on reverse. Minor surface wear. H 14 3/4".
