Very Rare Two-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jar with Impressed Drape-and-Tassel Motif, Stamped "COERLEARS HOOK / N. YORK," Thomas Commeraw, Manhattan, NY, circa 1800, ovoid jar with footed base, tooled shoulder, flared collar, and open loop handles; decorated on the front and reverse shoulder with an impressed and cobalt-highlighted drape-and-tassel motif. Front impressed with the cobalt-highlighted name of the neighborhood in which the jar was made, "COERLEARS HOOK," and reverse with the name of the city, "N. YORK." Brushed cobalt highlights to handle terminals. This jar is one of a small number of pieces bearing Commeraw's earliest maker's mark, which uses the spelling "COERLEARS" instead of "CORLEARS." Vessels featuring this spelling can be found with incised freehand floral motifs or, as is the case with this example, impressed drape-and-tassel motifs as seen on the majority of this potter's work. The early maker's mark on this jar helps firmly date this work among the first products displaying Commeraw's well-known stamped decoration. A 2 3/8" x 1 5/8" flake to underside. Cracks to underside, including one extending to shoulder on front, where it branches out. A few short, thin cracks from rim. Minor rim chips. Some typical minor in-the-firing flaws to surface. H 11 5/8".
