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Rare Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, attributed to Ernest Galloway, Paducah, KY, early 20th century, semi-ovoid jug with hand-modeled and applied clay face, including oval eyes set within almond-shaped lids, a tall, narrow nose, large ears, open mouth with incised teeth, and parted hair with incised surface. Incised sideways V's form stylized wrinkles at the sides of the mouth. Surface of jug covered in a glossy, dark-brown Albany slip glaze with glaze omitted on the teeth and sgraffito carving to the eyes, creating the pupils. Traces of old light-blue paint to eyes and teeth. The distinctive part in the figure's hair is undoubtedly a means by which the jug's artist, Ernest H. Galloway, is creating a sort of self-portrait. As seen in a period photo of Galloway, the potter had a prominent part down the center of his hair. This treatment can also be found on the few other surviving face vessels by this potter, visible on both African-American and Caucasian depictions. A highly expressive work of ceramic folk art and a significant recent discovery in both Kentucky stoneware and American face vessels. Provenance: Recently surfaced in Paducah, KY. Very nice condition. A chip to hair on reverse. Additional wear to hair. A small chip and minor wear to proper right ear. Very minor wear to spout.
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