In less than two-weeks,
Crocker Farm will hold their annual fall 2019 sale of American red earthenware and stoneware in Sparks, Maryland. Included in the sale is an extremely rare early-nineteenth century
red earthenware jar with its original lid; both the base of the jar and the lid have been inscribed with the number one.
The jar was consigned from a longtime collection, and it is decorated on all sides with tree, fern or floral designs, a type of decoration that is extremely rare to find on any New England red earthenware production today. The jar is also finely thrown.
Only a few examples of this type of jar are known to exist, and perhaps the jar that Crocker Farm has been consigned is the finest known example because it retains its original lid.
Nevertheless, I have never really had the opportunity to own one of these jars until recently when Sheffield, Massachusetts antiques dealer,
Sam Herrup decided to sell his jar from his private collection, which he has owned for decades. I did not pass up the opportunity to purchase it. This jar is inscribed with the number six on the base; the same number would have been inscribed on the original lid.
My mother's initial reaction when she saw the decoration was that it reminded her of some of the trees she has seen painted by Rufus Porter (1792-1884) in the early-to-mid-nineteenth century. And while the similarities are a coincidence, it really demonstrates how the decoration on this type of jar can be interpreted depending on the person who is handling it.
Beautifully Decorated Red Earthenware Jar
Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Likely from New England
All Sides Decorated with a Tree or Floral Design
Stands 10 1/2" Tall
See Article for More Information
Another View of the Jar
Stands 10 1/2" Tall
See Article for More Information
Another View of the Jar
Stands 10 1/2" Tall
See Article for More Information
Another View of the Jar
Stands 10 1/2" Tall
See Article for More Information
View of the Inscribed Six into the Base
The Original Lid Would Have Also Been Inscribed on the Base with the Number Six
See Article for More Information
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
