Possibly Unique Salt-Glazed Stoneware Presentation Flowerpot, Inscribed "Manufactured By J R. Wooton / August the 12 1890 / For Hattie Fulperson," John Raymond Wooton (or Wooten) at the Benjamin Anderson Pottery, Hawkins County, TN, 1890, cylindrical form with squared rim and pedestal base, inscribed completely around the shoulder with J.R. Wooton signature, date, and inscription to the vessel's recipient. Wahler's research indicates this flowerpot was made for twelve-year-old Hattie S. Fulkerson (here "Fulperson"), daughter of F. N. Fulkerson of Hawkins County. The grandson of John "Jehu" Wooton, Jr., J.R. Wooton (1851-1932) was born in Washington County, Virginia, where his family (along with the more recognized Vestal family) produced stoneware. According to Wahler's research, J. R. Wooton and his "family apparently moved back and forth between the two states" of Virginia and Tennessee; this was the only signed example of his work known to her. A combination of an oral history of Tennessee manufacture, the name of Hattie Fulkerson, and archaeology performed at the Anderson site by Marcus King and John Haynes all confirm a Tennessee origin for this pot. Original drain hole in underside. Exhibited: Legacy in Clay: Pottery of Washington County, Virginia, William King Regional Arts Center, Abingdon, VA, July 22-November 20, 2005. Provenance: Originally found by Marcus King in Rogersville, TN. Various crazing/hairlines throughout. One base chip. H 5".
