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Scarce Virginia decorated E.W. Mort jar, Alum Wells

Rare Virginia decorated salt glazed jar, stamped "E.W. Mort Alum Wells VA" in a circle. Slip decoration on jar appears to depict a running figure. E.W. Mort (1853-1923) was born in the Strasburg, VA and possibly trained as a potter in this area. In addition to working with Washington Co., VA potters, a crock stamped "E.W. Mort Mohawk" suggests he may have worked in Greene Co., TN for a period of time. Mort ceased making pottery in 1893 and became a Methodist minister. 8 1/4" height. This jar is illustrated in "Legacy in Clay: Pottery of Washington County, Virginia", William King Regional Arts Center, Abingdon, VA and in "Great Road Style: The Decorative Arts Legacy of Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee", Betsy K. White, p. 148. The jar is also noted in "Potters on the Holston", prepared by C. Espenshade, 2002. The stamp side of the jar is shown in Figure 54. He lists 8 stamped pieces, five of which are retangular stamps and the other three are circular. This was the only negative or reverse stamp. Note - this jar is the only known decorated example stamped E. W. Mort.

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