A Comparison of a Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Jug with a Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Ring Flask

A late-eighteenth or early-nineteenth century red earthenware bottle or jug was among the most desired red earthenware objects in Lewis Scranton's collection that Skinner, Inc. sold in Killingworth, Connecticut two-weeks ago. The object sold for $6,500 - Lewis Scranton reportedly acquired this object from Connecticut antiques dealer, Philip Liverant in 1974.

The jug was decorated with a variegated dark glaze with splashes of slip - the slip-decoration was applied in a similar manner as are some sponge decorated red earthenware objects that were made in the eighteenth and nineteenth-centuries in Pennsylvania and Virginia. However, I believe this is likely a coastal Massachusetts product, circa 1780-1830. Its form and footed base is very-similar to jugs that are commonly attributed to southeastern Massachusetts today.

Nevertheless, I would like to compare a red earthenware ring flask that I own to the bottle or jug from Lewis Scranton's collection. I believe this ring flask to be New England-made in origin - it is also decorated in a dark-glaze with drops of slip-decoration on top of the glaze. I do not have proof, but I am curious to know if there could be a relationship between these two objects.

 Late-18th or Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Bottle or Jug 

Possibly Made in Coastal Massachusetts

Circa 1780-1830

Stands 6 1/2" Tall

Lewis Scranton Collection - Killingworth, CT

Photo Courtesy: Skinner, Inc. - Boston & Marlborough, Mass.

19th Century Red Earthenware Ring Flask

Glaze is Very-Similar to the Jug Shown Above

Circa 1800-1840

Measures 8 7/8" in Diameter

 Another View of the Glaze

 View of the Base

View of the Hole Where the Liquid Would be Inserted

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...