A Folk Art Treasure: American Stoneware with Bird and Floral Motifs

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This exquisite example of American stoneware features a masterfully rendered cobalt blue depiction of a bird on its front, with gracefully detailed tail feathers and flowing, artistic lines. On the reverse, a simple yet elegant cluster of cobalt motifs, suggestive of floral forms with delicate stamen emerging from their centers, complements the primary design. Together, these elements create a charming piece that beautifully bridges utility and artistry.

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Historical Context

Stoneware was a cornerstone of 19th-century domestic life, essential for food preparation and storage. By the mid-19th century, stoneware shifted from ovoid shapes to more cylindrical forms, as seen in this vessel. This stylistic transition helps to date such pieces, with cylindrical containers typically associated with the latter half of the century.

New York State became a leading center for stoneware production, with its extensive canal system facilitating the transport of white clay from New Jersey and the distribution of finished goods across the region. Potters adorned these utilitarian wares with freehand cobalt designs, firing them in salt-glaze kilns to achieve their characteristic shiny finish.

The artistic designs on such stoneware, often created by untrained but skilled potters, are now celebrated as American folk art. Birds and floral motifs were among the most popular subjects, making this piece an exceptional representation of the genre.

Key Features

• Primary Design: Freehand cobalt bird with stunningly detailed tail feathers, noted for its fluid and dynamic form.
• Secondary Design: A trio of cobalt blue floral motifs on the reverse, each appearing to have stamen delicately emerging from the center, providing balance and artistic flair.
• Additional Details: Cobalt highlights on the handles, a thoughtful touch indicative of the potter’s attention to detail.
• Dimensions: 11 inches in height x 7 inches wide (flaring to 8 1/4 inches at top rim)
• Condition: Very good for its age with minor glaze imperfections typical of the period. No cracks, chips, or restorations.

Artistic and Functional Legacy

This stoneware vessel exemplifies the creative spirit of 19th-century American potters, who transformed everyday objects into enduring works of art. Though utilitarian in origin, the piece’s intricate designs and craftsmanship ensure its lasting appeal as a collector’s item and a testament to the era’s artistry.

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