Rare Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, attributed to Ernest Galloway, Paducah, KY, early 20th century, cylindrical jug with tapered shoulder and tall neck, decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face, including almond-shaped eyes set within eyelids, incised eyebrows, scrolled ears, a Roman nose, handlebar mustache, and open mouth bearing numerous incised teeth. Applied and incised clay at the temples form sideburns. The hair is defined by incised wavy lines flanking a distinctive part, including a large lobe of applied and incised clay forming the hair on the reverse. The prominent part in the hair can be noted in a period photograph of the potter himself, Ernest Galloway. A signed example, bearing the inscription "E. Galloway. / Paducah. KY" and sold as Lot 51 in Crocker Farm's Winter 2020 auction, verifies him as the maker of this work as well. The jug offered in our Spring 2023 auction differs in its size, inclusion of a mustache to the face, and application of glaze over the eyes and teeth. Of note are the curious similarities between Galloway's work and the expressive face jugs produced at Edgefield, South Carolina's Miles Mill decades prior. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., Spring 2023 Auction, lot 70. Missing handle. Losses to spout. A chip to one ear. A flake to bottom edge of nose. Additional wear to applied facial features. H 9".
