Exceptional Large-Sized BOSTON Stoneware Jug w/ Impressed Double-Fish Decoration, late 18th century
Fall 2024 Stoneware Auction
Lot #: 54
Estimate: $3,000-$5,000.A Note About Estimates
Minimum Bid: $1,000.
Exceptional Large-Sized Stoneware Jug with Impressed Double-Fish Decoration, Stamped "BOSTON," Jonathan Fenton, Boston, MA, late 18th century, approximately three-gallon, highly-ovoid jug with ribbed handle and tall, heavily-tooled neck, the front decorated with two impressed and cobalt-highlighted fish motifs, one of large size with heavily-scaled body, the other smaller with elongated mouth and small triangular fins. Impressed above with "BOSTON" mark. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and handle terminals. This example features Fenton's classic, early-style form with bulbous body and tall neck (arguably one of the most sculptural jug forms in all of American stoneware), and is larger than most Boston fish-decorated jugs known. The use of two fish designs on the same jug is highly unusual, and the fact that the decorator has showcased two different motifs adds to the jug's decorative appeal. Among the finest examples of Fenton stoneware that we have ever offered. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., July 18, 2015, lot 4. Excellent overall condition, with primarily in-the-firing flaws, typical of stoneware of this period and origin. A 1" in-the-firing chip to top of spout and a very minor in-the-firing chip to top of spout. Typical in-the-firing contact marks to surface, including one to left of smaller fish. A 1 3/4" shallow flake to underside at bottom edge of jug. Other small, shallow chips to underside at edge. H 17 3/4".
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