Rare Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug with Maker's Inscription, Signed and Dated "Otto Brown / Mar 22 71," Otto and Emmaeus Averett Brown, Bethune, SC or possibly NC or GA origin, 1971, semi-ovoid jug with applied facial features including Roman nose with depressed tip, raised eyes within pointed oval lids, an open mouth with depressed cupid's bow and applied broken china teeth and clay cigar, and curved ears. Incised eyebrows and scrolled mustache. Surface covered in a chocolate-brown Albany slip glaze. Incised prior to firing on underside with an elaborate signature, reading "made by / Otto Brown / Age 72 Mar 22 / 71 / Finished / by Wife / 62 yrs / Oct 26 70." Signed examples by Otto Brown are considered rare. This collaborative work includes a desirable inscription by Brown indicating it was finished by his wife, Emmaeus Averett Brown, who was also born into a Georgia potting family. It is the best example of only three examples of Brown's work that we have offered, measuring larger than, and surviving in better condition than, the other two. Most of proper right ear is reglued. Chips to ears and lower lip. A few minor glazed-over flakes to top of spout. Loss to cigar. H 9".
