LOGIN TO BID ON THIS LOT. (Don't have an account? It's free and easy to SIGN UP.)
Rare and Important Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Crooksville, OH origin, probably Burley and Winter Pottery, late 19th or early 20th century, semi-ovoid jug with short, tapering spout, decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face including almond-shaped eyes with flattened, circular pupils, a Roman nose with carved nostrils, open mouth with carved teeth, and applied "coleslaw" hair forming the eyebrows, mustache, beard, and hair on the top of the figure's head. Composed of reddish clay, this jug features an Albany slip coating with cream-colored slip highlights to the eyes and teeth and an overlying clear glaze. An outstanding example of Ohio ceramic folk art, larger than most face jugs that we have offered, with an incredible provenance linking it to one of the state's most famous potteries. Provenance: Found in the 1980s on the third floor of the consignor's grandfather's pottery in Crooksville, Ohio, which was previously the Burley and Winter pottery. The floor that the jug was found on was never used by the consignor's grandfather, who took the operation over in 1946. As a result, this space, which served as Burley and Winter's mold and design shop, was a literal time capsule from this well-known manufactory's operation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The discovery of this jug "in situ" at the pottery that it was likely created at is significant to the story of Ohio face jug production and is among the most remarkable provenances of any piece of pottery that we have offered. Notably, its similarity to the well-known works of nearby White Cottage, Ohio, face jug maker John Dollings suggests that it may have been made by him or perhaps his son, Maurice C. Dollings, at the Burley and Winter shop. Missing ears, possibly during the firing. Otherwise very nice condition with some glaze wear. H 10 1/2" ; Diam. 7 3/8".