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".