Rare Stoneware Fish Pitcher attrib. Texarkana Pottery (Jacob Bachley, Texarkana, AR)

Summer 2024 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 38

Price Realized: $1,920.00

($1,600 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: The American ceramics market frequently changes, often dramatically. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. If you're interested in having us sell a similar item for you, please contact us here.

Summer 2024 Auction Catalog

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Rare Slip-Decorated Stoneware Fish Pitcher, attributed to Jacob Bachley, Texarkana Pottery, Texarkana, AR, circa 1880, finely-molded pitcher in the form of a fish with heavy scaling, its open mouth forming the spout and upswept tail forming the handle, the surface decorated with Albany slip and covered in a clear salt glaze. Fish's eyes decorated with purplish manganese. Circular, wave-form base decorated with cobalt and Albany slip. Appealing figural form with dramatic glaze scheme. Stoneware pieces made by French-born potter, Jacob Bachley, typically follow the style of the celebrated Kirkpatrick brothers of Anna, Illinois, but are significantly rarer. Though essentially lost to history until recently, Bachley was a well-documented artist in his day and his pieces were even acquired by the 19th century New York socialites, Jay Gould and Henry Marquand, the latter a founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Provenance: Jeffrey S. Evans and Associates, December 1, 2023, lot 1187. Excellent, essentially as-made condition. H 12 3/4".