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Exceptional Four-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Elaborate Cobalt Goats Decoration, Stamped "WM-A'MACQUOID&CO / NEW-YORK. / LITTLE WST 12tH ST.," circa 1870, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a lively scene of a rearing buck goat with long, dashed horns, goatee, and heavy coat, facing a nanny goat with turned head, smaller horns, goatee, and udder. Stylized ground with swag-like vegetation appears below. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and capacity mark. This work is the only Macquoid crock that we have seen depicting this farm animal, a prized subject in 19th century American folk art. A Macquoid mug and pitcher offered in this auction depicting a related rearing goat motif with added barrel are the only other examples of stoneware by this maker that we have seen depicting this animal, and this subject is extremely rare by any maker in American stoneware. The crock's depiction of two such animals on the same piece, perhaps a mated pair, is remarkable. The vessel showcases the Macquoid pottery's interest in producing utilitarian pieces with a high decorative quality, displaying painterly brushwork and this manufactory's tendency towards unusual and detailed figural designs. Among the best examples by this well-known Manhattan maker that we have ever offered. A long Y-shaped crack across underside forming a long T at base on reverse. Chipping to interior of rim. A 4 1/2" in-the-firing line descending from rim on interior, visible as a faint 2 1/4" line on exterior rim on far proper right side of crock's front. A 1" chip and minor chip to exterior of rim. A stone ping at base on front. A minor base chip. Some light overall staining to surface. H 10 1/2".
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