Very Rare Redware Book-Form Inkwell, Inscribed "W.R.", American, 18th or early 19th century

Summer 2024 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 479

Price Realized: $780.00

($650 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 Glazed Redware Book-Form Inkwell, Inscribed "W.R.", American, 18th or early 19th century, slab-built inkwell in the form of a book with incised binding, the top with two carved ink holes encompassed by a scrolled vine design. Interior is fashioned with a wall separating the two wells. Incised on underside with the initials, "WR". The form, style of penmanship, and incising on this example indicate an early origin, possibly dating to the 18th century. The fact that the initials are inscribed on the underside suggest that they refer to the inkwell's potter and not its owner. Although the famous Poor Potter of Yorktown, VA, William Rogers (active 1720-1745), could be listed as a possible maker, no examples of this form, or with similar incised decoration, have been found in his work. A lack of wear to the two original holes, and the addition of a wall on the interior, indicate that this form was made as a rare "double-welled" inkwell, and that these holes did not serve as openings for a well and sander to be placed. This analysis is corroborated by the vessel's small size. Provenance: Al Marzorini Collection; Crocker Farm, Inc., November 3, 2018, lot 281. Edge chips and a loss to one corner. L 3 3/4" ; W 2 1/2" ; H 1 7/8".