An Outstanding Private Collection of Stoneware Now Available at Antiques Associates At West Townsend in Massachusetts

Over the past month, I have posted several articles to this website about an outstanding private stoneware collection that was going to be available from Antiques Associates At West Townsend in Massachusetts, whereas those articles covered three of my favorite objects in the collection. But nonetheless though, this collection is now posted to A.A.A.W.T.'s website: https://www.aaawt.com/promotional/stoneware-collection/.

The previously posted articles discussed a circa 1825-1843 stoneware jug made by George Lent in Lansingburg, New York, which has sold, a circa 1800 stoneware jug made by Thomas Commeraw in Manhattan, and a four-gallon stoneware crock adorned with a cobalt rooster, which was likely decorated by James Reilly at the circa 1850-1859 J.E. Norton Stoneware Factory in Bennington, Vermont.

19th Century Stoneware Jug Marked "G. Lent / Lansingburgh"

Circa 1825-1843

Stands 14 1/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Antiques Associates At West Townsend

Link to Thomas Commeraw Jug: https://www.aaawt.com/antique/late-18th-early-19th-c-jug-made-by-thomas-commeraw-manhattan/

Link to J.E. Norton Crock: https://www.aaawt.com/antique/19th-century-stoneware-crock-stamped-j-e-norton-bennington-vt/

I have handled this collection multiple times in the last month, and there are just so many great objects to see, certainly too many to mention in a single post on this website, some of which also have been published in books. There are about forty objects in the collection, while there are other objects that are mentioned in books or directly related to published pieces. Overall, the stoneware collection is great based on the aesthetics, historical interest and the folk art appeal.

A Very Good Selection of Stoneware For Sale at AAAWT in Massachusetts

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Photo Courtesy: Antiques Associates At West Townsend

However, three objects that really stood out to me are a group of related eighteenth century stoneware jars most likely made in the Hudson River region in New York, one of which is inscribed with the name of Jacob Cuyler (1746-1823), a resident of Albany, New York. These jars are also inscribed with numbers, in such a way that it seems to be related to traditions found on German stoneware.

Link to Jar No. 1: https://www.aaawt.com/antique/double-handled-stoneware-presentation-jar-probably-hudson-river-region/

Link to Jar No. 2: https://www.aaawt.com/antique/double-handled-stoneware-presentation-jar-probably-hudson-river-valley/

Link to Jar No. 3: https://www.aaawt.com/antique/double-handled-stoneware-jar-probably-made-in-the-hudson-river-region/

Interestingly, the shape of these jars also reminded me of a circa 1750 stoneware jar that was made in Manhattan or New Jersey, which is in the collection of the Huntington Museum, Library and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California: https://huntington.org/educators/learning-resources/spotlight/object-story-jar.

Three Related 18th Century Stoneware Jars

All Likely Made in the Hudson River Region in New York

Far Left Inscribed with the Name of "Jacob Cuyler"

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Photo Courtesy: Antiques Associates At West Townsend

Another object that caught my eye is a late eighteenth or early nineteenth century stoneware jug decorated with an inscribed flower highlight with cobalt. The execution of this flower and how it covers most of the font of the jug is outstanding. The jug is thought to have been made in either Manhattan or the Hudson River region. 

Link to Jug: https://www.aaawt.com/antique/stoneware-jug-probably-manhattan-or-hrv-new-york-incised-flower/

Late 18th or Early 19th Century Stoneware Jug

Made in Either Manhattan or the Hudson River Region

Circa 1770-1810

Stands 12 1/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Antiques Associates At West Townsend

But there is just so much to see in this collection - it is an education in itself handling these types of objects, seeing that this type of stoneware is not often available publicly outside of a major auction house, a museum or a private collection. The assortment of stoneware includes manufacturers located in Ohio, Western New York, throughout New York State, New York City, Connecticut, New Jersey and Baltimore, among other locations. Although, my personal favorite is probably the Thomas Commeraw jug, which was exhibited at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, New York in 2023, as part of the exhibit, Crafting Freedom: The Life and Legacy of Free Black Potter Thomas W. Commeraw.

Nevertheless, this stoneware collection is available to see in-person in West Townsend five-days a week (closed Monday and Tuesday), but it is also available online by visiting A.A.A.W.T.'s website: https://www.aaawt.com.

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