Extremely Rare Salt-Glazed Stoneware Temperance Jug with Brown Slip Decoration, attributed to Jacob Bachley, Texarkana Pottery, Texarkana, AR, circa 1880, ovoid form with tall neck and semi-squared mouth, the handle modeled in the form of a heavily-scaled rattlesnake extending through the vessel's neck, the body decorated throughout with three additional applied snakes, a lizard, and a turtle, all with incised details and reddish-brown slip highlights. The lizard and turtle feature likely-original green-and-red painted highlights. Jug itself features a rustic surface, incised throughout with vertical combing, coggled dashes, and haphazard jagged markings. Entire surface covered in a clear salt glaze. One of a small body of surviving snake-decorated vessels made by French-born potter, Jacob Bachley, this work closely follows the style of the celebrated Kirkpatrick brothers of Anna, Illinois, but is significantly rarer. Though essentially lost to history until recently, Bachley was a well-documented artist in his day and his pieces were even acquired by the 19th century New York socialites, Jay Gould and Henry Marquand, the latter a founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This outstanding, large-sized example is a substantial addition to a slowly growing body of work attributed to his hands. Provenance: Recently surfaced in New York State. Head of snake handle tightly reglued. One figure on the side of the jug, possibly a worm, is missing, likely lost during the firing. A loss to tip of lizard's tail. Firing fissures to neck of one snake. Some minor surface wear. H 10 3/4".
