4-gallon jar or crock

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.