Outstanding Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Incised Vulture in Branch Decoration, Incised "VULTU[R]ED," Albany, NY area, early 19th century, ovoid jug with footed base and tooled spout, decorated with an incised and cobalt-highlighted design of a vulture perched on branch below the word "VULTU[R]ED," within a stylized rope border. A depiction of a vulture is essentially unknown in American stoneware production. Striking in its execution and bold application of cobalt, this jug's rendering of the bird differs markedly from the typical styles of early 19th century American stoneware schools. Warren F. Hartmann, in his Ceramics in America 2012 article, "The Stoneware of Early Albany: A Mystery Solved," argues that the term, "VULTURED," refers to drunkenness. The oval image of a vulture within a border may also be viewed as a sort of incised label for a brand of alcoholic beverage the jug held. This work's outstanding decoration, complemented by superb color to the clay and cobalt, rank it among the most significant Albany regional works to come to auction in years. Literature: Illustrated in Hartmann, "The Stoneware of Early Albany: A Mystery Solved," Ceramics in America 2012, fig. 13. Provenance: Warren F. Hartmann Collection. Brushed cobalt highlights to handle terminals. Base chips including a 2 1/8" chip to underside along bottom edge. An in-the-firing flake to top of spout. A small in-the-firing iron ping to left of decoration. Some light staining. H 15 1/4".
