An Important Colonial Stoneware Jar Exhibited at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in California

In 2012, Crocker Farm in Sparks, Maryland sold what is probably my favorite piece of surviving Colonial American stoneware, which is attributed to either Manhattan or New Jersey, circa 1750. However, the jar is now owned by The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens near Los Angeles in San Marino, California; one side is inscribed with the initials "IS," while the other side has the initials "IPR," also inscribed.

The jar is also heavily decorated - whereas, one side is inscribed with an urn or vase and what appears to be sunflowers growing from it - the urn and one of the flowers are also decorated with a checkerboard motif, which was popular with German potters, as well.

It has also been suggested that this jar was possibly decorated by two different people, seeing that the skill level of the incised decoration on either side seems to be different. Either way, though, the other side's decoration is a bit of a mystery, but some feel that it may represent an oyster on the half shell, which would make sense if this jar was used to store oysters, while others think it may represent human intestines. This side is also decorated with a bust of an American Indian.

Furthermore, according to the museum, "It is possible that two people decorated this jar - one a more accomplished artist and the other possibly an apprentice or student learning how to decorate pottery. This may also account for the initials IS and IPR."

An Important Colonial Stoneware Jar Exhibited in California

18th Century Stoneware Jar Attributed to Either New Jersey or New York

Circa 1750

Stands 15" Tall

This Side is Decorated with an Urn or Vase with Flowers

This is Side is also Inscribed with the Initials "IS"

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Photo Courtesy: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

View of the Other Side of the Jar

This Side is Possibly Decorated with an Oyster on the Half Shell

This is Side is also Inscribed with the Initials "IPR"

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

View of the Handle

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Photo Courtesy: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

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