Edgefield South Carolina jug with slip decoration

Exceptional and rare Edgefield South Carolina jug with slip decorated flower design and "1" in the interior of the flower, denoting gallon capacity. Attributed to Thomas Chandler. The glaze, condition, small size, and large, unusual loop decoration on this example is exceptional. Condition - an "in the making" hairline flaw (stable) near the base of the jug, otherwise excellent condition. 11 3/8" height. Second quarter of the 19th century. Thomas M. Chandler (born 1810 Virginia, died 1854 North Carolina) is referred to as " . . . Edgefield's premier potter . . ." states Cinda Baldwin on page 47 of Great and Noble Jar. Though born in Virginia, Thomas may have brought a northern influence into South Carolina pottery. He enlisted in the army in Albany, New York in 1832 (Baldwin, page 148). This suggests that he may have potted briefly in New York. A decorated jar made by him bears a decided resemblance to New York state wide mouth jar forms with lug handles. His straight-sided cake crocks are also reminiscent of northern cobalt decorated crocks. In 1838, he married into the Durham family of potters in Edgefield. The 1840 census shows Thomas, 29 years old, and family living near others involved in the pottery industry. There are no slaves listed in either his household or Isaac Durham's (page B of this census is shown below). A jar signed in script "Chandler Maker/1844" is perhaps the earliest recorded piece of pottery made by him. Among his known stamps are: Chandler, Chandler/Maker and Chandler/Warranted (Baldwin, pages 51 and 54). However, his wares are of such high quality and so distinctive that being stamped does not appear to be of great importance to the collector. In the 1850 census Thomas and his wife, Margaret, have four daughters and two sons. Thomas is 40 years old and his occupation is listed as "Stoneware Manufactory". They are living next door to Francis Devillin, age 44, potter. According to Cinda Baldwin (page 53), Thomas Chandler had $1500 invested in his pottery at that time and eleven slave and journeyman potters working. A full range of forms were produced. Thomas set up a trust for his wife and children in 1852. He placed all of his property, including slaves, in that trust. He died in North Carolina in 1854 (Baldwin, pages 54 and 75). Thomas Chandler appears to have played an important role in the development of decorated Edgefield wares. Cinda Baldwin (page 148) states "Chandler was clearly a key figure in the production of Edgefield decorated stoneware, having turned ware at all of the Edgefield factories where slip decoration was widely used" (research courtesy Carole Wahler).