Exceptional Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Harvest Jug, Edgefield District, SC origin, third quarter 19th century, wheel-thrown form with applied tubular spout on reverse and arched horizontal handle across top, decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face including kaolin eyes set within almond-shaped lids, Roman nose with narrow bridge and carved nostrils, large ears with depressed edges and tragi, and open mouth with flattened lips and heavily-incised kaolin teeth. Manipulation of the clay forms the structure of the human face and includes curved depressions forming the brow line, depressions to the cheeks, flattened areas forming the outer edge of the face, and a dimple to the chin. Surface covered in an olive-green alkaline glaze. Affectionately referred to by Wahler as "Green Jeans," this work is among the finest American face vessels that we have ever offered. A select group of related Edgefield face vessels by the same maker or school are known. All are connected by their prodigious size, similar facial features, and glaze, with most also featuring a scarce harvest or "monkey" jug form. A prominent example from this group in the collection of the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia is incised with the name, "Joe Kirksey." Another resides in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. An outstanding example, combining size, form, condition, and expressive modeling to the face. Literature: For two related examples, see Baldwin, Great and Noble Jar, p. 81, fig. 3.10 and back cover. Provenance: Purchased by Wahler in 1987 for $11,500. Excellent condition with a chip to each ear, a very minor chip to proper right eyelid, a very minor chip to proper right nostril, and a tiny nick to lower lip. H 9".
