Antique American Stoneware One Gallon Southern Ovoid Jar

Cobalt Broken Stem Decoration. This fabulous one gallon salt glazed ovoid storage jar presents an interesting amalgamation of characteristics that make its origin difficult to calculate. First and most importantly, this early storage jar boasts lovely broken stem decoration so often atrtributed to Thomas Chandler and other mid 19th century Edgefield, South Carolina potters. We know, of course, that the Edgefield district is most famous for its alkaline glaze. However, it is no secret that salt glaze stoneware was also commonly produced in the region.

The light color of this jar's clay is also indicative of the clay regularly used in Edgefield stoneware. The handles on this piece present difficulty because they are small and tight to the jar (similar to handles found in early New York stoneware) and are not flat like typical Edgefield handles. However, many potters found their way south from the northern states (Chandler included) to work in the Edgefield district. This one gallon ovoid form is found much more commonly in James River, Virginia, stoneware than it is found in Edgefield stoneware or stoneware from the northern states. We feel this jar was probably made as far south as Edgfield, South Carolina to as far north as Virginia, but we are unsure of its exact origin.

This wonderful pre 1860 ovoid storage jar measures 10 inches in height, 4 3/4 inches in diameter at the top, 8 inches in diameter at its widest point, and 5 1/4 inches in diameter at the bottom. We believe this is an extremely rare piece of southern stoneware and is most probably a true sleeper. What is absolutely certain is that this is a beautiful piece of early freehand cobalt decorated stoneware worthy of even the finest collection.