Outstanding Large-Sized Slip-Decorated Redware Figure of a Standing Lion, PA origin, probably Chester County, third quarter 19th century, hand-modeled figure of a lion with turned head, open mouth, and upswept tail, standing atop an oblong base. Figure includes impressed eyes and elaborate incised details to the face, including finely-carved teeth and a bared tongue, a heavily-incised mane and hair to the haunches and tail tip, and incised toes. Base is profusely-decorated with an impressed border of daisies and circles surrounding an incised and impressed design of a flowering plant. Cream-colored slip highlights to lion's chest and teeth, manganese highlights to the animal's upper mouth, and daubed manganese to base, the whole covered in a heavy lead glaze. Clay placed within the cavity of the figure prior to firing allows it to rattle when shaken. Among the most prized figural forms in American redware animal sculpture, this work is noteworthy for its imposing size and colorful addition of cream-colored slip to the animal's chest and teeth. Attesting to the rarity of the size, three examples of this form can be found among Winterthur's vast collection of American redware, this example being significantly larger than all three. The dark reddish color of the clay and discovery of the figure roughly fifty miles south of Chester County, Pennsylvania, suggest it may have been made in this region, possibly at the Vickers pottery. The best example of this form that we have offered. Provenance: Acquired decades ago in Northeastern Maryland. Losses to base and tongue, a minor nick to mouth, and wear to one ear. L 8" ; W 3 1/2" ; H 7 1/2".
