Exceedingly Rare Four-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Rooster and Floral Decoration, Stamped "F. STETZENMEYER. & Co. / ROCHESTER, N.Y.," circa 1855, ovoid jug with wide, semi-rounded spout, decorated with a large slip-trailed design of a rooster with solid-cobalt head, heavily-feathered body, and elaborate tail, standing on a stylized ground beside a cone-shaped flower with dashed petals. Slip-trailed "4" to shoulder. Brushed cobalt highlight to maker's mark. The only Stetzenmeyer rooster that we have seen, this rendering of the bird features thick, enamel-like cobalt, outstanding contrast, and the artistic quality that mid-century Rochester stoneware has become known for. This pottery's figural-decorated work is among the rarest and most coveted work in all of 19th century Northeastern stoneware production. One of the few best examples of Stetzenmeyer stoneware that we have ever offered, the others being a deer-decorated crock and fox-decorated jug sold in our Fall 2023 auction. Very nice condition with only minor flaws. Small base chips. Two short lines at base. A small, glazed-over spout chip. A thin in-the-firing contact mark to flower. Minor surface wear to reverse. Minor staining. H 18".
