4-gallon jar or crock
New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore
1830-1880
Maker
Probably the Remmey family of potters
Measurements
15-7/8 in x 11 in x 10-1/2 in (dia)
Materials
Cobalt-blue decorated salt-glaze stoneware
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp
Accession Number
1959.3533
Inscription
"4" is stamped near the rim.
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
This grand piece of decorated stoneware is stamped "4" near the rim indicating its four-gallon capacity--a large and challenging size for a potter. It has lug handles (lacking space between the handle and the body) near the shoulder, which is outlined with a thin beaded molding. Another bead is at the bottom of the rim, which flares outward slightly.
The body of this jar or crock is dramatically decorated with flowers composed of complex leaves. Their long stems have almost fern-like leaves along the entire length.
The crock is painted inside with a glossy black glaze.
The Remmey family of potters descended from John Remmey, a German immigrant who settled in New York in 1735. His son Henry and grandson Henry Jr. worked in Baltimore and Philadelphia in the 19th century and shared business relationships with other successful stoneware potters. The New York pottery remained in business through much of the 20th century.
