Extremely Rare Six-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Elaborate Cobalt Deer Scene, Stamped "JOHN BURGER / ROCHESTER," NY State origin, circa 1860, ovoid churn with flared rim and applied lug handles, decorated with an artistic slip-trailed design of a deer with turned head and heavily-spotted body, standing on a detailed mound beside of a large, palm-like tree with pine tree in the distance. Slip-trailed "6." to shoulder. Cobalt highlight to maker's mark. Iconic maker and decoration. Includes Albany-slip-glazed lid. Exhibiting bold, crisp slip-trailing and superb color, this work combines New York State's premier potter/decorator with one of the region's most prized designs. It is the first John Burger, Sr. deer churn that we have ever offered. A number of deer-decorated churns were produced two decades later when the pottery was operated by Burger's son, John Burger, Jr. Evidently, this design was used sparingly on this form during the father's tenure. An outstanding example from the venerable Rochester school of stoneware production, the standard for American stoneware decoration, this churn was previously owned by John Morgan, one of the formative figures in New York State stoneware collecting. Provenance: Ex-John Morgan, Pike, NY. Significant restoration around the first few inches of the base, underside, and interior base, not affecting decoration. Some touch-up to jaw area of deer and larger tree. A 5/8" handle chip with a 1" horizontal surface crack extending from it. A 2 5/8" Y-shaped hairline to reverse. Chips to inner rim for lid. H 20".
