RARE AND IMPORTANT JAMES MILLER (ATTRIBUTED), ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA OR GEORGETOWN, DC FOLK-ART-DECORATED STONEWARE JAR, salt-glazed, reversed "3" gallon capacity mark, ovoid form with single incised ring below the flanged flat-top rim, slightly arched tab-like handles, and a crudely beaded foot. Exceptional brushed and slip-trailed cobalt spread-wing shield-breast Federal eagle decoration on one side, additional cobalt across top of handles. James Miller (active 1797-1827), Alexandria, VA or Georgetown, DC. Circa 1825. 12 1/4" H, 7 1/4" D rim.

Published: The Magazine Antiques, April 2005, p. 127, pl. 5, "Stoneware of Eastern Virginia" by Rob Hunter, Kurt Russ and Marshall Goodman; Hunter (ed.) - Ceramics in America 2004, p. 258, fig, 8, "James Miller, Lost Potter of Alexandria, Virginia" by Brandt Zipp and Mark Zipp; and Folk Art Magazine, Fall 2002, p. 9, featured in a full-page ad for Allan Katz Americana.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.
Purchased from Allan and Penny Katz, Woodbridge, CT, 2003.
Clifton Anderson, Lexington, KY, 2002.
From a West Virginia estate auction.
Exhibited: "Stoneware Pottery of Eastern Virginia, 1720-1865", Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, VA, September 11, 2004 - February 1, 2005.

Catalogue Note: This jar was produced around the time of Lafayette’s visit to Virginia and to Washington, DC, in 1824. The potter and/or decorator of this significant piece of Americana was undoubtedly affected by the Revolutionary War hero’s visit to the United States just prior to the semi-centennial celebrations as well as by the growing sense of interest and enthusiasm for the country’s cultural and political origins that was developing during the same period. Whatever the specific impetus, the craftsman in this case took valuable time to emblazon with brush and slip cup virtually the entire jar’s front with his own powerful folk interpretation of a national symbol that was only then gaining full credibility both within the nation and around the world. This James Miller stoneware jar survives in remarkable condition and represents early American folk pottery at its finest.

Outstanding condition, rim with a chip to side and reverse, partial loss of one handle, two glaze pops to front as made, free of other imperfections.