Rare Large Burlon Craig Face Jug w/ Double Row of Teeth, ex. Bishop/Johnson Collection

Summer 2024 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 459

Price Realized: $2,400.00

($2,000 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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Very Rare Large-Sized Early-Period Stoneware Face Jug with Alkaline Glaze, Stamped "B.B CRAIG / VALE, N.C.," early fourth quarter 20th century, ovoid jug wide spout and two applied, rounded handles at the shoulder, decorated with a hand-modeled and applied face including orb-like eyes placed within strap-shaped eyelids, arching eyebrows with incised details, ears, nose with carved nostrils, and open mouth with two rows of cut china teeth. Surface covered in an olive-colored alkaline glaze with rutile accents. Underside impressed with Burlon B. Craig signature. Among the finest Craig face vessels that we have offered, this work is an earlier example indicated by its very rare double-row of china teeth. Provenance: Ex-Collection of Robert Bishop, former director of the Museum of American Folk Art, and Jay Johnson, author of and dealer in American folk art; Slotin Auction, April 26, 2014, lot 49; Carl and Marian Mullis Collection. Excellent, essentially as-made condition with an in-the-firing fissure to side of nose. H 18 3/4".