Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Impressed Drape-and-Tassel Motif, Stamped "N. YORK / COERLEARS HOOK," Thomas W. Commeraw, Corlears Hook, Manhattan, NY, circa 1800, highly-ovoid jug with footed base and heavily-tooled spout, decorated with impressed drape and tassel motifs surrounding the maker's mark, "COERLEARS HOOK." Additional drape and tassel motifs encircle the base of the spout. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark, impressed decoration, and handle terminals. This work features the most elaborate stamped decoration of any piece bearing Commeraw's first maker's mark, which predates the use of his name on his work and employs the distinctive spelling "COERLEARS." Commeraw's use of his trademark Federal drapery motifs to encompass the impressed words is particularly noteworthy. Related, later Commeraw jugs bearing drape-and-tassel designs around the maker's mark exhibit the same, exceptionally bulbous form, indicating the potter planned these special decorations before the jugs were even thrown. Exhibited: Crafting Freedom, Fenimore Art Museum, Jun. 24 - Sept. 24, 2023. Handle is reglued from another early Northeastern U.S. stoneware jug, and includes a horizontal crack as well as coloring at the handle terminals. A smooth in-the-firing contact mark to top of rim. Minor exfoliation to proper right side of jug. An approximately 3 1/2" faint horizontal line at midsection on reverse, likely in-the-firing. Some light staining. H 14".
